2 Corinthians 3
BSB1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence before God is ours through Christ. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. 6 And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! 10 Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures! 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away. 14 But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. 15 And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone 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 freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Corinthians 3
- Themes from 2 Corinthians 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul defends his ministry against accusations, stating that his recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source. He contrasts the ministry of the old covenant, which brought death, with the ministry of the new covenant, which brings life. Paul explains that the old covenant was glorious, but it has been surpassed by the glory of the new covenant. He also discusses the veil that covers the hearts of unbelievers, preventing them from understanding the gospel. The chapter concludes with Paul's confidence in the sufficiency of God's grace and the transforming power of the gospel.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, which was written to address various issues and concerns in the Corinthian church. The chapter is situated in the larger context of Paul's defense of his ministry and his explanation of the gospel. It is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, particularly the theme of covenant and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in the sufficiency of God's grace and the transforming power of the gospel. It reminds us that our ministry and witness are commended by God, not by human approval. As we seek to serve the Lord and share the gospel with others, we can be confident in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring life and transformation.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the superiority of the new covenant and the ministry of the Spirit. It reminds us that our recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source. As believers, we can trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring life and transformation, and we can be confident in the sufficiency of God's grace.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a ministry of death, but of life. It is not a covenant of bondage, but of liberty.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Holy Spirit is the seal of our adoption, and the earnest of our inheritance. He is the one who brings us into communion with God, and who transforms us into the image of Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Ministry of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:1-6) — Paul defends his ministry and explains the superiority of the new covenant.
- The Glory of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:7-11) — Paul contrasts the glory of the old covenant with the glory of the new covenant, highlighting the superiority of the new covenant.
- The Veil and the Ministry of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:12-18) — Paul explains the role of the Holy Spirit in removing the veil and bringing life and transformation to believers.
- The Confidence of the Minister (2 Corinthians 3:4-6) — Paul expresses his confidence in the sufficiency of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- The Transforming Power of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 3:18) — Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the transforming power of the gospel and the ministry of the Spirit.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of the New Covenant
- This chapter teaches that the new covenant is a ministry of the Spirit, which brings life and transformation to believers. It is characterized by the presence of the Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life.
- The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
- This chapter emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing life and transformation to believers. The Spirit is the one who removes the veil and brings light and understanding to those who trust in Christ.
- The Doctrine of Justification
- This chapter implies that believers are justified by faith, and that their recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source.
- The Doctrine of Sanctification
- This chapter teaches that believers are being transformed into the image of Christ, and that the Holy Spirit is the one who brings about this transformation.
Lessons from 2 Corinthians 3
- The Importance of the Holy Spirit — This chapter emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing life and transformation to believers.
- The Superiority of the New Covenant — This chapter teaches that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, and that it brings life and transformation to believers.
- The Confidence of the Minister — This chapter encourages believers to trust in the sufficiency of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- The Transforming Power of the Gospel — This chapter emphasizes the transforming power of the gospel and the ministry of the Spirit.
- The Role of Faith — This chapter implies that believers are justified by faith, and that their recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source.
Themes from 2 Corinthians 3
- The Ministry of the New Covenant — This chapter explores the theme of the new covenant and the ministry of the Spirit.
- The Glory of God — This chapter emphasizes the glory of God and the superiority of the new covenant.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit — This chapter teaches that the Holy Spirit is the one who brings life and transformation to believers.
- The Confidence of the Believer — This chapter encourages believers to trust in the sufficiency of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- The Transforming Power of the Gospel — This chapter emphasizes the transforming power of the gospel and the ministry of the Spirit.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main difference between the old and new covenants, according to 2 Corinthians 3?
- How does Paul defend his ministry in 2 Corinthians 3?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant, according to 2 Corinthians 3?
- What is the significance of the veil in 2 Corinthians 3:14?
- How can believers trust in the sufficiency of God's grace, according to 2 Corinthians 3?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Ministry of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:1-6)
| 3:1 | Paul defends his ministry and explains that his recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source. |
| 3:2 | Paul's ministry is commended by the Lord, not by any human letter of recommendation. |
| 3:3 | The ministry of the Spirit is a ministry of life, not of death. |
| 3:4 | Paul has confidence in the sufficiency of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. |
| 3:5 | Paul's competence comes from God, not from himself. |
| 3:6 | The ministry of the Spirit is a ministry of the new covenant, which brings life and transformation to believers. |
2. The Glory of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:7-11)
| 3:7 | The old covenant was glorious, but it has been surpassed by the glory of the new covenant. |
| 3:8 | The ministry of the Spirit is more glorious than the ministry of the old covenant. |
| 3:9 | The old covenant brought death, but the new covenant brings life. |
| 3:10 | The glory of the old covenant is nothing compared to the glory of the new covenant. |
| 3:11 | The new covenant is more glorious because it is a ministry of the Spirit, which brings life and transformation to believers. |
3. The Veil and the Ministry of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)
| 3:12 | Paul speaks boldly because he has confidence in the sufficiency of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. |
| 3:13 | Paul does not use clever speech or human wisdom to commend his ministry. |
| 3:14 | The veil that covers the hearts of unbelievers is removed when one turns to the Lord. |
| 3:15 | The veil remains over the hearts of unbelievers, preventing them from understanding the gospel. |
| 3:16 | When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed, and they are able to understand the gospel. |
| 3:17 | The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. |
| 3:18 | Believers are being transformed into the image of Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the one who brings about this transformation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the old and new covenants?
The main difference is that the old covenant brought death, but the new covenant brings life. The old covenant was a ministry of the letter, but the new covenant is a ministry of the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:6-7)
How does Paul defend his ministry in 2 Corinthians 3?
Paul defends his ministry by stating that his recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source. He also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in his ministry and the sufficiency of God's grace. (2 Corinthians 3:1-6)
What is the significance of the veil in 2 Corinthians 3:14?
The veil represents the spiritual blindness that prevents unbelievers from understanding the gospel. It is removed when one turns to the Lord, and they are able to understand the gospel. (2 Corinthians 3:14-16)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 3:6 → Jeremiah 31:31-34 | The new covenant is a ministry of the Spirit, which brings life and transformation to believers. This is in fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy of a new covenant. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 3:7 → Exodus 34:29-35 | The old covenant was glorious, but it has been surpassed by the glory of the new covenant. This is similar to the glory of Moses' face after he spoke with God. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 3:12 → Psalm 119:32 | Paul speaks boldly because he has confidence in the sufficiency of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. This is similar to the psalmist's confidence in God's Word. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 3:14 → Isaiah 25:7 | The veil that covers the hearts of unbelievers is removed when one turns to the Lord. This is similar to the removal of the veil that covers all peoples in Isaiah's prophecy. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 3:17 → John 8:36 | The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. This is similar to Jesus' statement that the truth will set us free. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 3:18 → Romans 8:29 | Believers are being transformed into the image of Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the one who brings about this transformation. This is similar to the transformation that occurs in those who are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 3:3 → Hebrews 8:6 | The ministry of the Spirit is a ministry of life, not of death. This is similar to the statement in Hebrews that the new covenant is a better covenant. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 3:6 → Galatians 3:10-14 | The ministry of the Spirit is a ministry of the new covenant, which brings life and transformation to believers. This is similar to the statement in Galatians that the law was a ministry of death, but the gospel is a ministry of life. |
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Return of God's Glory by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a meeting where the glory of God was experienced. It started with one person praying and soon others joined, resulting in |
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How to Find Your Place by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding and fulfilling the good works that God has prepared for each individual. He contrasts two different approaches take |
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Intimacy by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of attending a conference in South Africa and the challenges of the schedule. Despite feeling exhausted, the speaker allowe |
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Intimacy With God - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the word of God to understand His glory and majesty. He refers to Acts chapter 4 verse 13, where it is mentioned th |
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(Deeper Waters) Session 4 - Prayer by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of serving God and the different areas of ministry. He emphasizes the importance of worship as the first priority in serving God. |
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Two Creations (Reading) by Watchman Nee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the work of God in our lives is mysterious and beyond our understanding. He explains that through the new birth, we receive a new and d |
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The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp |
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The Danger of Pharisaism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke chapter twelve, verse forty-five, which talks about a slave who becomes abusive towards other slaves because he believes his master wil |
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Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Puts Life Together by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of man as a trinity, drawing from Hebrews 4:12. He explains that just as the Old Testament priest cut the sacrifice into different |
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(Covenant Word Ministries) Servant of Sin by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a rainy day when he was surprised to find a church full of people despite the bad weather. As he began to preach, a drunk man desperately trie |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3
In this chapter, Paul defends his ministry and explains the superiority of the new covenant. He emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing life and transformation to believers, and he encourages believers to trust in the sufficiency of God's grace. The chapter also touches on the theme of recommendation, and Paul states that his recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source. The glory of the new covenant is highlighted, and Paul explains that it is a ministry of the Spirit, which brings life and transformation to believers. The chapter concludes with Paul's confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation in the lives of believers. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Contrast Between the Old and New Covenants
Paul contrasts the old covenant, which brought death, with the new covenant, which brings life. This contrast highlights the superiority of the new covenant and the ministry of the Spirit.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is emphasized throughout the chapter as the one who brings life and transformation to believers. This emphasizes the idea that the new covenant is a ministry of the Spirit.
The Theme of Recommendation
Paul defends his ministry against accusations, stating that his recommendation comes from the Lord, not from any human source. This highlights the idea that true ministry is commended by God, not by human approval.