2 Corinthians Chapter 3
Paul had spoken of the great danger he had been saved from by the grace of God. It is clear from the context of the book that those who were then their opposition were the jews who had persecuted the early believers, even once as Saul previously did. In the last chapter (as now) Paul states that to some the gospel was the savour of death unto death, such was the opposition of the jews and the polarisation of the reception the gospel received.
Paul has no need to be confirmed in his office as an apostle by any other to the believers (v1) who are plainly advancing well in the faith, renowned to all others as strong in the same faith of the gospel as Paul. (v2) Not by pen; by recommendation of words, but living earnestly in the truth of the gospel under the grace of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. (v3) In whom Paul's faith is likewise confirmed by the trust in God of His sealing. (v4,v5)
God has made Paul and company ministers of the truth of the gospel in the good news of the new testament rather than of the old. because the law gave condemnation without the extension of grace, but the Spirit of God ministers to eternal life within His grace. (v6)
Paul affirms here that the ministry of God by His Spirit excels itself in efficacy over time.
If the ministration (giving) of the law was done so as the work of a perfect God, which is now done away with by the new testament in Spirit then the glory of the law's giving (as in the glory of the face of Moses shining) must be excelled by the new testament. (v7) Then therefore the giving of the grace of God by the Holy Spirit should be more glorious. (v8) (Because God is perfect) - therefore it is greater for Him to show Himself as more perfect in each covenant. (v9) The law condemns, but the Spirit ministers in righteousness. For although the giving of the law was done with the glory of God, it does not compare as glorious to the work of the Holy Spirit that has excelled upon it. (v10) The condemnation under the law has been done away with (not the law itself) It has been redressed with grace to make that which remains (the keeping of the law by Christ) more glorious. (v12) Paul puts this very plainly.(v12)
Moses covered his face due the glory of the Lord shining in it - because the Israelites for fear could not look upon the glory of God through the giving of the law onwards toward Christ (v13)- even in the face of Moses, in the intent that the law would make a glorious mediation for them, to make them God's people. But as an example likewise they were blind to the intent of the law, that it should bring life in Christ (They sought it not by faith) - but in reading of the old testament, the veil is still covering the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ- the eternal life that remains to believers is redressed with grace upon the keeping of the law in Jesus Christ by faith, and not by the letter. (v14)
Even today the veil remains upon their hearts when the letter of the law is read. (v15) But through faith in Christ the condemnation of the law is done away (v16) and through the Holy Spirit is great liberty and freedom from sin (v17) to excel to that glory that was the intent of the law (Christ) to be found to lead to eternal life.
By being translated from the former glory to the glory that remains and excels (in Jesus Christ only), We see the intent of both glory former and glory after in the person of Jesus Christ as in a mirror. We ourselves are heirs to that same eternal life that was the intent of the law that was fulfilled by Jesus Christ. (v18)
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