
2 Corinthians 3
In this chapter, Paul elaborates on the nature of his ministry, contrasting the glory of the new covenant with the old covenant under the law. He defends his apostolic authority by highlighting the transformative and enduring impact of the Spirit-led ministry compared to the fading glory of the Mosaic law. This chapter underscores the spiritual empowerment and freedom inherent in the gospel.
2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you?
2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;
3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
Paul addresses the issue of credentials and commendations, asserting that the true letter of recommendation is the lives of the Corinthian believers themselves. These believers, transformed by the gospel he preached, are living proofs ("epistles") of his ministry's effectiveness. Unlike written letters, their transformed lives are inscribed by the Holy Spirit, showcasing the spiritual and lasting impact of his apostolic work.
2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NKJV)
4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God.
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Paul expresses his confidence in his ministry, which is grounded in Christ and dependent on God for its sufficiency. He contrasts the ministry of the new covenant, empowered by the Spirit and giving life, with the old covenant of the letter, which brings death. The law, though holy and just, exposes sin and brings condemnation because it reveals humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard. When the law "came," Paul realized his true spiritual condition—his self-righteousness "died" as he became aware of the sinful desires within him (Romans 7:9-10). This "death" was not caused by the law being faulty but by sin taking advantage of the law’s commands to bring guilt and judgment. This highlights the life-giving nature of the gospel, where the Spirit writes God’s law on the heart, not merely as external rules but as a principle of love and obedience. Unlike the law that condemns, the Spirit brings freedom, transformation, and life, enabling believers to serve with joy and purpose in the grace and power of Christ. Thus, Paul’s confidence lies not in human effort but in the life-giving work of the Spirit through the gospel.
2 Corinthians 3:7-9 (NKJV)
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Paul refers to the law given to Moses as the "ministry of death" and "ministry of condemnation" due to its function of exposing sin without providing the means for redemption. Despite its glory, symbolized by Moses’ radiant face, this glory was temporary and fading. Paul argues that if such a ministry had glory, the ministry of the Spirit—which brings righteousness and life—has far greater and enduring glory.
2 Corinthians 3:10-11 (NKJV)
10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.
11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
Here, Paul emphasizes the surpassing glory of the new covenant over the old. The glory of the old covenant is deemed insignificant in comparison to the new covenant's enduring glory. This argument reinforces the superiority of the new covenant, which remains and excels beyond the old, underlining its permanent and transformative nature.
2 Corinthians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—
13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was being abolished.
14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the old covenant, because the veil is taken away in Christ.
Paul emphasizes the boldness that comes from ministering under the new covenant, which reveals the enduring glory of God’s redemptive plan through Christ. Unlike Moses, who veiled his face to hide the fading glory of the old covenant, believers in Christ speak openly because they understand the true fading nature of the ministry of the law and reflect the permanent glory of God. The veil symbolizes the spiritual blindness of the Israelites, who could not grasp that the old covenant was temporary and pointed forward to something greater. Paul explains that this "veil" remains over the hearts of those who read the law without recognizing Christ. However, only in Christ is the veil removed, allowing believers to see the fading glory of the law for what it was and to reflect the full, lasting glory of God as they are continually transformed by His Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:15-18 (NKJV)
15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.
16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Paul continues the metaphor of the veil, explaining that those who turn to the Lord have this veil removed, allowing them to understand and embrace the freedom found in Christ. In verse 17, Paul clarifies that "the Lord" refers to Jesus Christ, who is the Holy Spirit or Comforter living within believers. Christ, through the Spirit, transforms believers from glory to glory, reflecting God's character more fully day by day. This liberty contrasts with the condemnation brought by the law, as the Spirit frees believers from the burden of trying to achieve righteousness through their own efforts and instead empowers them to live in harmony with God's will. With unveiled faces, believers behold the glory of the Lord like a mirror and are progressively transformed into His image through the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, experiencing true spiritual freedom and continual growth in Christlikeness.