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Role of Mediation in Scripture and Theology

The Concept of Mediation in Scripture

The concept of mediation is deeply rooted in biblical theology, referring to an intermediary who facilitates communication or reconciliation between two parties. In the Old Testament, the idea of mediation is present, although the term itself is not used. Job expresses a desire for a mediator or "daysman" to intervene between him and God, highlighting the need for reconciliation [1].

Biblical Foundations

The New Testament explicitly develops the concept of mediation, particularly in relation to Christ. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant, emphasizing his role in establishing a relationship between God and humanity [10]. This is reinforced by 1 Timothy 2:5, which states that there is "one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" [4, 5].

The biblical account presents Moses as a mediator between God and the Israelites, illustrating the concept's presence in the Old Testament [1, 2]. However, Christ's mediation is distinct, as he is considered the sole mediator between God and humanity. The writer of Hebrews highlights Christ's sacrificial death and ongoing intercession as key aspects of his mediatorial role [10].

Christ's Mediatorial Office

Christ's office as mediator encompasses three functions: prophet, priest, and king. These roles are not separate offices but rather interconnected aspects of his mediatorial work [3]. As mediator, Christ executes his kingship over his Church and all things in behalf of his Church, demonstrating his sovereign authority.

The necessity of Christ's humanity for his mediatorial office is emphasized in various biblical passages. His human nature enabled him to represent humanity before God and to accomplish the work of redemption [7].

Theological Significance

The concept of mediation has significant theological implications. Christ's mediation is seen as a key aspect of the gospel covenant, with Hebrews 8:6 and 9:15 highlighting his role in establishing this covenant [2, 6]. The idea of mediation is closely tied to the concept of reconciliation, with Christ's death and intercession facilitating a restored relationship between God and humanity [8].

Different traditions have understood the concept of mediation in various ways. Some have emphasized the uniqueness of Christ's mediation, while others have explored the role of other mediators, such as Moses, in biblical history [9, 12]. The writer of Hebrews contrasts the old covenant, with its multiple mediators, to the new covenant, which is mediated by Christ alone [10].

Historical and Theological Development

The concept of mediation has evolved throughout Christian history, with various theologians and traditions contributing to its development. The Reformed tradition, for example, has emphasized the sole mediatorship of Christ, while other traditions have explored the role of saints or other intermediaries [9, 11].

The biblical foundation of mediation, centered on Christ's person and work, remains a cornerstone of Christian theology. Understanding Christ's mediatorial role is essential for grasping the nature of the gospel and the relationship between God and humanity.

The biblical concept of mediation continues to shape Christian theology and practice, emphasizing the significance of Christ's work in establishing a restored relationship between God and humanity. As the writer of Hebrews notes, Christ's mediation is based on better promises, underscoring the superiority of the new covenant [13].

Sources

  1. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Mediator — One who intervenes between two persons who are at variance, with a view to reconcile them. This word is not found in the Old Testament; but the idea it expresses is found in Job 9:33, in the word "daysman" (q.v.), marg., "umpire." This word is used in the New Testament to denote simply an internuncius, an ambassador, one who acts as a medium of communication between two contracting parties. In this sense Moses is called a mediator in Gal. 3:19. Christ is the one and only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). He makes reconciliat”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Mediator — In virtue of his atonement -- Eph 2:13-18; Heb 9:15; 12:24. The only one between God and man -- 1Ti 2:5. Of the gospel covenant -- Heb 8:6; 12:24. Typified Moses. -- De 5:5; Ga 3:19. Aaron. -- Nu 16:48.”
  3. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Kingly office of Christ — One of the three special relations in which Christ stands to his people. Christ's office as mediator comprehends three different functions, viz., those of a prophet, priest, and king. These are not three distinct offices, but three functions of the one office of mediator. Christ is King and sovereign Head over his Church and over all things to his Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18; 2:19). He executes this mediatorial kingship in his Church, and over his Church, and over all things in behalf of his Church. This royalty differs from that whic”
  4. King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 2:5 — For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
  5. I Timothy “I Timothy 2:5 (KJV) — For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Covenant, The — Christ, the substance of -- Isa 42:6; 49:8. Christ, the Mediator of -- Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24. Christ, the Messenger of -- Mal 3:1. Made with Abraham. -- Ge 15:7-18; 17:2-14; Lu 1:72-75; Ac 3:25; Ga 3:16. Isaac. -- Ge 17:19,21; 26:3,4. Jacob. -- Ge 28:13,14; 1Ch 16:16,17. Israel. -- Ex 6:4; Ac 3:25. David. -- 2Sa 23:5; Ps 89:3,4. Renewed under the gospel -- Jer 31:31-33; Ro 11:27; Heb 8:8-10,13. Fulfilled in Christ -- Lu 1:68-79. Confirmed in Christ -- Ga 3:17. Ratified by the blood of Christ -- Heb 9:11-14,16-23. Is a covenant of peace -- Isa 54:9,10; ”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Reconciliation With God — Predicted -- Da 9:24; Isa 53:5. Proclaimed by angels at the birth of Christ -- Lu 2:14. Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances is necessary to -- Eph 2:16; Col 2:14. Effected for men By God in Christ. -- 2Co 5:19. By Christ as High Priest. -- Heb 2:17. By the death of Christ. -- Ro 5:10; Eph 2:16; Col 1:21,22. By the blood of Christ. -- Eph 2:13; Col 1:20. While alienated from God. -- Col 1:21. Without strength. -- Ro 5:6. Yet sinners. -- Ro 5:8. While enemies to God. -- Ro 5:10. The ministry of committed to ministers -- 2Co 5:18,19. Mi”
  9. Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 3:20: "Now a mediator cannot be of one (but must be of two parties whom he mediates between); but God is one" (not two: owing to His essential unity not admitting of an intervening party between Him and those to be blessed; but as the ONE Sovereign, His own representative, giving the blessing directly by promise to Abraham, and, in its fulfilment, to Christ, "the Seed," without new condition, and without a mediator such as the law had). The conclusion understood is, Therefore a mediator cannot appertain to God; and consequently, the law, with its insepara”
  10. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 9:15: 9:15 the one who mediates: This term refers to an arbiter in a difficult legal dispute or political disagreement. In the old covenant, Moses and the angels were understood as mediators between God and the people (Gal 3:19-20). In the new covenant, Christ mediates the relationship between God and people by his sacrificial death (Heb 8:6; 12:24; Rom 6:23; 1 Tim 2:5; 1 Pet 3:18) and ongoing intercession (Heb 7:25).”
  11. Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 12:15: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,.... These are the words of God the Father, speaking to the church, concerning Christ, as mediator; who, as such, is God's servant, employed by him, and obedient to him, in the work of man's salvation; and is a righteous, faithful, prudent, and diligent one; whom he, from all eternity, had chosen to this service, and in the fulness of time sent him to do it, and supported and upheld him in it; for it is whom I uphold, in the Hebrew text. My beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased; who always was the object of his love, not only”
  12. Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 3:20: Now a mediator is not a mediator of one,.... A mediator supposes two parties he stands between, and these at a distance from, or disagreeing with each other; where there is but one party, there can be no need of, nor any reason for, a mediator; so Christ is the Mediator between God and men, the daysman, Job 9:33, that lays his hands upon them both; and Moses, he was the mediator between God and the Israelites: but God is one; not in person, for there are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one, in nature and”
  13. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 8:6: 8:6 the one who mediates: A mediator works with two parties to bring them to agreement. Christ’s work of sacrifice established the covenant relationship between people and God. • a far better covenant with God: See “The New Covenant” Theme Note. This covenant is better because it is based on better promises (see 8:7-13).”
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