Introduction
The law of agency is a principle foundational to many legal, business, and social relationships today. At its core, it involves one person (the agent) being authorized to act on behalf of another (the principal), creating a relationship characterized by authority, trust, responsibility, and accountability. While this principle may seem to be a purely human construct, its origins can be traced back to the divine order revealed in Scripture. From God’s delegation of authority to humanity, to Christ’s role as the perfect agent of the Father, and to the role of believers as agents of Christ, the law of agency reflects an eternal truth established by the Creator.
This article will explore how these principles of agency were ordained by God, supported by biblical texts and original language studies, and how they apply in both spiritual and contemporary contexts.
1. The Divine Origins of the Law of Agency
A. God’s Delegation of Authority in Creation
In the beginning, God created humanity to act as His agents on earth. Genesis 1:26-28 records God’s directive to Adam and Eve:
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:26)
Here, the Hebrew word for “dominion” is rādāh (רָדָה), which means to rule or govern. This term conveys authority granted by a higher power. Humanity was entrusted with stewardship—an early form of agency—to care for and manage creation on behalf of God. The task came with both privilege and responsibility, reflecting the trust inherent in agency relationships.
Only the rightful owner or one with full authority has the power to appoint an agent. This principle is foundational to both legal and biblical frameworks. In the case of creation, God, as the ultimate owner, appointed humanity to exercise stewardship. Psalm 24:1 confirms this ownership: “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” This reflects the idea that God alone can delegate authority over His creation. Similarly, throughout Scripture, only those authorized by God (e.g., prophets, priests, kings) could act on His behalf. Unauthorized actions, such as King Saul’s presumptive offering (1 Samuel 13:8-14), were not accepted.
Even Jesus laid out a principle that relates to this idea. In Matthew 22:21, He says, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” While Jesus was addressing taxes, this statement can also be seen as establishing a broader truth: the one who creates something owns and controls it. In this case, what belongs to Caesar (his currency system) falls under his authority. If Caesar appoints someone to manage it, that person acts as an agent on his behalf. Likewise, what belongs to God remains under God’s sovereign authority, with humans appointed to manage aspects of His creation as agents.
This principle can be seen in modern times as well. In today’s legal and governmental systems, the concept of ownership often involves state control. For instance, in the 73rd Congress Document 1st Session Senate No. 43, it is stated:
“The ultimate ownership of all property is in the State; individual so-called ‘ownership’ is only by virtue of Government, i.e., law, amounting to mere user; and use must be in accordance with law, and subordinate to the necessities of the State.”
Similarly, Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019) defines ownership as “[t]he bundle of rights allowing one to use, manage, and enjoy property, including the right to convey it to others.” However, it clarifies that ownership does not always imply absolute control or dominion. For example, in Marsh v. Alabama (326 U.S. 501, 506, 1946), the court noted, “The more an owner, for his advantage, opens up his property for use by the public in general, the more do his rights become circumscribed by the statutory and constitutional powers of those who use it.”
In this view, modern governments, much like Caesar in Jesus’ time, often hold ultimate authority over property and delegate rights of use to individuals. The principle of agency remains relevant as individuals manage property under the guidelines established by the state—effectively acting as agents managing on behalf of a higher authority.
B. The Role of Prophets, Priests, and Kings
Throughout the Old Testament, God appointed various agents to carry out His will. Prophets, priests, and kings served as intermediaries and leaders under divine authority:
Prophets: Prophets like Moses were commissioned to speak and act on God’s behalf. In Exodus 3:10, God tells Moses, “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” Moses’ role exemplified a clear agency relationship, as he acted with God’s authority.
Priests: Priests mediated between God and His people, offering sacrifices and interceding for sin (Leviticus 16:32-34). The Hebrew word for priest, kōhēn (כוֹהֵן), denotes one who serves as a representative in sacred matters.
Kings: Kings like David and Solomon were anointed as rulers under God’s authority. In 1 Samuel 16:13, the prophet Samuel anoints David, symbolizing that David would act as God’s agent to lead Israel.
2. Jesus Christ: The Perfect Agent of the Father
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example of an agent, perfectly fulfilling the Father’s will. This is evident throughout His ministry.
A. Submission to the Father’s Will
Jesus’ role as the agent of God is captured in John 6:38:
*”For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” *
The Greek term for “sent” here is apostellō (αποστέλλω), meaning to be sent forth with a commission or authority. Jesus repeatedly emphasized that His mission was not self-originated but derived entirely from the Father. This mirrors the principle that an agent acts with the authority of the principal, carrying out their directives.
B. Christ’s Authority and Commissioning of Others
Having been granted all authority by the Father (Matthew 28:18), Jesus delegated responsibilities to His disciples. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), He instructed them to make disciples of all nations. By doing so, Jesus established His followers as His agents to continue His work on earth.
The Greek word for authority, exousia (εξουσία), conveys both the right and the power to act. This concept of delegated authority remains central to Christian ministry today.
3. Christians as Agents of Christ
A. Ambassadors for Christ
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes:
*”Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” *
The term “ambassador” translates from the Greek presbeuō (πρεσβεύω), which refers to a representative or envoy. Believers are tasked with representing Christ’s message of reconciliation to the world. Like legal agents, they bear both the responsibility and privilege of acting in His name.
B. Stewardship of God’s Gifts
Another aspect of agency in the Christian life is stewardship. 1 Peter 4:10 states:
*”As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” *
The Greek word for steward, oikonomos (οἰκόνομος), refers to a household manager or administrator. Christians are entrusted with spiritual gifts and resources to serve others, demonstrating accountability to their divine Principal.
4. Current Application of the Law of Agency
A. Legal and Business Contexts
In modern law, the principles of agency govern relationships in business and commerce. Agents act on behalf of principals in various capacities, such as employees, lawyers, and financial advisors. Key principles include:
Authority: An agent’s actions are binding on the principal when performed within the scope of their authority.
Fiduciary Duty: Agents are obligated to act in the best interests of the principal, maintaining loyalty and care.
Accountability: Agents are accountable for their actions and must provide an account of their management of the principal’s resources.
These principles align with biblical teachings on stewardship and representation.
B. Ethical Considerations
The law of agency emphasizes integrity, trust, and accountability. These values resonate with Christian ethics, which call for honesty and faithfulness in all dealings (Proverbs 11:1, Colossians 3:23-24). When Christians act as agents in their personal or professional lives, they should reflect the character of Christ.
C. Practical Example
Consider a business leader who views their role through the lens of biblical agency. By recognizing that their authority and resources ultimately come from God, they are motivated to lead with humility, serve others, and make decisions that honor God’s principles. Such an approach fosters trust, collaboration, and ethical leadership.
Conclusion
The law of agency is more than a legal concept; it reflects a divine principle established by the Creator. From the stewardship of creation to the mission of Christ and His Church, agency relationships demonstrate the importance of trust, authority, and accountability. Christians are called to act as agents of Christ, faithfully representing Him in all areas of life. By embracing these principles, believers fulfill their God-given purpose and bring glory to their heavenly Principal.