Read 2 Corinthians 3

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%203&version=NIV

3:1–11 The truths of this section are built upon a number of different concepts: (1) letters of commendation, (2) tablets of law, (3) old and new covenants, and (4) worthiness. The questioning of Paul’s credentials always led him back to fundamentals in his own defense. Three interconnected lines demonstrate the superiority of the new covenant over the old: (1) the superior nature of the new covenant, (2) the resultant superior new covenant ministry, and (3) the superior benefit for those who receive that ministry.

In view are two kinds of ministry, not just the contents of the two covenants. Paul did not call the Mosaic covenant itself “condemnation” and “death” (3:7–9; cf. also Rom. 7:12, 14, 16). He kept the content of the covenant distinct from the concept of “written laws” (3:6). Here his focus is on how God’s word was communicated—in the old covenant by the “written laws” written on stone, in the new covenant by the Spirit’s writing on the heart. The new covenant’s ministry far surpasses the great, though fading, ministry of the old covenant. It produces a change of heart as well as changes in external behavior.

Some itinerant teachers were circulating among the churches, bearing letters of commendation from other congregations (3:1–3). Paul wrote that his life and ministry spoke for themselves. He needed no such commendations. The Corinthian converts were his “letters of recommendation.”

Note the contrasts of stone/flesh, ink/Spirit, old covenant/new covenant. Paul’s ministry was one of the Spirit and the greater glory of the new covenant (Jer. 31:34; Heb. 8:6–13). The radiance of the old was fading (3:12–18).

3:12–18 Paul did not need letters of commendation because of his firsthand intimacy and its ensuing boldness (3:12) and stability (4:1). Paul’s boldness in speech is elaborated in 3:12–18.
Paul compared his own speaking with the speaking of Moses (3:12–13). But the comparison is really between two ministries, not just two ways of speaking. Skip from 3:13 to 3:18 in order to see that 3:14–17 is an explanatory digression. The “but” of 3:14 is then put in perspective. The continual use of the veil blinds, deafens, and dulls the minds of the people to God’s glory in Christ (see 2:11; 4:4; Rom. 11:7, 25). The Corinthians should have realized the temporary nature of the old covenant’s glory.

In 3:13 Paul explained the purpose of Moses’ veil—to conceal the reality that the glory was fading (cf. Exod. 34:33–35). The “veil” (3:13–18) also had been used to interrupt the people’s vision of God’s glory. Moses put his veil on after he had spoken to the people of Israel (see Exod. 34:29–35). But in the new covenant, the veil is no longer needed (3:16). The glory is given through the Spirit, hidden but powerful (2 Cor. 3:3, 6, 8, 16–18; cf. 1 Cor. 15:45). The Spirit is the new means of covenant ministry. Moses beheld God’s glory and his face was changed temporarily (2 Cor. 3:18; cf. 3:13). New covenant believers behold the glory of the Lord, though imperfectly, and are supernaturally transformed into the same image of glory. The idea of reflection (3:18) best fits the context of Moses’ reflection of glory and Paul’s reflection of the glory in perishable containers.


Discussion question


What do you feel Paul means by saying, "The letter kills, but the spirit gives life?"

Reflection question
Take some time and reflect on verses 16-18. What is in your heart when you read these verses?