2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 3:1

Verse 1

Do we begin? must we begin? is it necessary?

2 Corinthians 3:2

Verse 2

The meaning is, that the feelings of attachment and regard which subsisted between Paul and the Corinthian church were universally known.

2 Corinthians 3:3

Verse 3

The epistle of Christ ministered by us; the work of Christ, performed by our instrumentality.–Tables; tablets.

2 Corinthians 3:4

Verse 4

Such trust; such confidence.–Through Christ to God-ward; in God through Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:6

Verse 6

Not of the letter; not of the written law, that is, of the Old Testament dispensation.–Of the spirit; off the gospel, which had yet been communicated thus far chiefly by direct spiritual influences, and not by written records.–Killeth; denounces death.

2 Corinthians 3:7

Verse 7

The ministration of death; the ministration of that covenant which denounced death.–In stones; referring to the two tables of stone on which the ten commandments were written.–Was glorious; in respect to the circumstances of its first promulgation. Allusion is here made to the account recorded in Exodus 34:29,30.–Was to be done away; was temporary and transient.

2 Corinthians 3:8

Verse 8

The ministration of the Spirit, that is, of the gospel promulgated by the agency of the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:10

Verse 10

No glory in this respect; that is, in comparison with the glory of the new dispensation.

2 Corinthians 3:13

Verse 13

Put a veil over his face; symbolical of the mystery under which spiritual truth was veiled, in the old dispensation; so that the children of Israel could not understand the true end and design of these temporary ordinances, which were enjoined upon them.

2 Corinthians 3:14

Verse 14

Which veil is done away; which mystery is solved.

2 Corinthians 3:16

Verse 16

When it shall turn; that is, when the heart of the children of Israel shall turn.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Verse 17

That Spirit; the spirit spoken of in 2 Corinthians 3:6,–namely, the spiritual dispensation. The Lord is the foundation and support of it.–Liberty; freedom from the darkness and bondage in which the soul had often been enveloped under the old dispensation.