Introduction

Second Corinthians 3 contrasts the old and new covenants. Paul needs no written letters of recommendation—the Corinthians themselves are his letter. The new covenant ministry of the Spirit brings unfading glory and transformation into Christ's image.

Living Letters (verses 1-3)

Are Paul and his companions beginning to commend themselves again? Do they need letters of recommendation to or from the Corinthians? The Corinthians themselves are Paul's letter, written on his heart, known and read by everyone. They show that they are a letter from Christ, the result of Paul's ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

• Living Proof: Changed lives are the best recommendation
• Spirit's Writing: The Spirit inscribes on hearts
• Stone to Heart: The new covenant writes on living tissue

Ministers of the New Covenant (verses 4-6)

Such confidence Paul has through Christ before God. Not that he is competent in himself to claim anything for himself—his competence comes from God. He has made them competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

• Competence from God: All ability is given, not achieved
• New Covenant Ministry: Spirit-empowered, life-giving
• Letter vs. Spirit: The letter kills; the Spirit gives life

Greater Glory (verses 7-18)

If the ministry that brought death, engraved in letters on stone, came with glory—so that the Israelites couldn't look steadily at Moses' face because of its glory, transient though it was—will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! What was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transient came with glory, how much greater is the glory of what lasts!

Since they have such a hope, they are very bold. They are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was fading. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. Only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Key Takeaways

• Changed Lives: The best proof of ministry is transformed people
• Spirit Gives Life: New covenant ministry is life-giving
• Surpassing Glory: The new covenant far exceeds the old
• Transformation: We are being changed into Christ's image

Reflection Questions

• Is your life a readable letter of Christ to those around you?
• How have you experienced the Spirit's life-giving power versus the law's condemnation?
• Are you experiencing ongoing transformation into Christ's image?