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The concept of Messenger in Christianity

In Christianity, the term "Messenger" encompasses a variety of roles, primarily focusing on individuals tasked with conveying divine messages. This includes figures like John, who served as a precursor to Christ, and the prophets, often referred to as God's messengers. Messengers are depicted as agents of peace and enlightenment, and they emphasize the impact of their words. Additionally, the concept extends to angels and ministers of God who operate according to divine will, delivering messages that guide and inform people in their spiritual journeys.1
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Synonyms: Courier, Envoy, Delivery agent, Herald, Bearer, Intermediary, Go-between, Postman

In Finnish: Messenger; In German: Bote; In Dutch: Boodschapper; In Spanish: Mensajero; In Malay: Utusan; In Swedish: µþ³Ü»å²úä°ù²¹°ù±ð; In French: Messager

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Messenger'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) These are the ones who were sent by the owner to collect the fruit.[1] (2) The Spirit directed Peter to go with these, and thus taught him the meaning of the enigmatical words which he had heard from heaven.[2] (3) The phrase refers to an individual who carries a message, emphasizing their role in conveying information and the impact of their words, or announcement.[3] (4) This term refers to the ones who turned from the message without further waste of time when men turned from it, and Paul put into words the law for his whole career.[4] (5) The coincident arrival of the messengers and the distinct command to accompany them, as the second fact that Peter points to, clearly pointed to one divine hand working at both ends of the line.[5]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) Individuals sent forth with a message of peace and love, tasked with bringing enlightenment to those living in darkness, much like angels dispatched from above.[6] (2) Messengers proclaim the gospel of the Son within the temple, sharing the blessed message of the Lord.[7]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) A messenger is also a term that the word 'angel' can be translated to, and the prophets are often styled angels or messengers of Jehovah, such as Malachi.[8]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) The prophet reads the heart of the messenger, predicting both the king's recovery and his assassination by Hazael, demonstrating his prophetic abilities.[9]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The Messenger is identified as the Builder of the divine and immortal temple, and those who do not receive Him or receive Him improperly fall from the third step.[10] (2) This term is used to describe those who were made spirits by God and are a flame of fire, carrying out the duties of the Father of all.[11] (3) The text refers to individuals, Claudius Ephebus, Valerius Bito, and Fortunatus, who are tasked with delivering a message of peace and harmony to the intended audience.[12] (4) Messengers are ministers of God, and they execute the command and will of God, not wishing to be called gods or to be worshipped, and are neither gods nor do they wish to be called gods.[13]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) This is sent before the face of the one who will prepare the way, indicating a precursor or herald who precedes an important figure.[14]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The city of God

(1) Mercury is said to be the messenger, because by means of speech all our thoughts are expressed, highlighting his role in conveying information and ideas.[15]

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The messenger is another way of describing the word, and the text explains that the word is the angel—that is, the messenger—of intelligence, which represents a secondary kind of word.[16]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) Messengers were sent in ships to announce the arrival of the Ethiopians and to report to the Queen of Ethiopia about the good news.[17]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Plural form: Messengers.