His Servants' Ministry

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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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2 Corinthians
Chapter 3

Theme: God's comfort in the glorious ministry of Christ

Paul had been speaking of the triumph of the ministry. Now he deals with the authorization of the ministry. He will reach great heights in this chapter.
This chapter is closely connected in its design to the previous one. Paul had said (2 Cor.2:14), that he had always occasion to triumph in the success that he had, and that God always blessed his labors of sincerity (2 Cor.2:17), as contrasted with the conduct of some who were teaching falsely.
Paul shows, in opposition to his critics, that the faith and salvation of the Corinthians was sufficient testimony of his God given mission; that he needed no letters of recommendation, the Christian converts at Corinth being clear proof that he was an apostle of Christ (verses 1-3). He praises the Christian ministry, as being so much more excellent than that of Moses (verses 4-12). Paul compares the different ways of announcing the Truth under the Law and under the Gospel. The Law was unclearly and elusively delivered; and the veil of darkness, represented by the veil which Moses wore, is still on the hearts of the Jews; but when they turn to Christ this veil shall be taken away. The Gospel dispensation is spiritual and leads to heavenly things; and those who receive it are changed into the glorious likeness of God by the agency of His Spirit (verses 17-18).

Proof that Paul was an Apostle of Christ (2 Cor.3:1-3)

2 Cor. 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? (KJV)
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you . . . Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, had said much in justifying himself and of his office. He returns again to something similar, being provoked by the many charges which the false apostles and teachers in this church, had laid upon him. Do we begin again? . . . these words may have a special reference to the last verse of the former chapter: 2 Cor. 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV) . . . Paul had praised himself, as NOT being one of those who corrupted the Holy Word of God, but had preached the Truth of God, and in the sight of God. Although some others stood in need of letters of approval, and were very careful to get them, yet Paul trusted that he did not need any letters to recommend him to the Corinthians, any more than letters of recommendation from them to commend me unto any other churches of Christ. By others, he most likely means the false apostles and teachers, which were Paul's great enemies, and dear friend, they are also our enemies! BEWARE!!!

2 Cor. 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: (KJV)

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts . . . Paul tells them that he had the most ardent love to them. He had no need to be put in remembrance of them by any letters or other means. He said that they were written in his heart; he had a most loving remembrance of them.
Known and read of all men . . . for wherever I go I mention you, and tell of your many gifts and graces; and praise your embracing of the Gospel of Christ (Rom.1:8).

2 Cor. 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (KJV)

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us . . . you clearly declared to be the letter of Christ. You are in our hearts, and Christ has written you there. You yourselves are the letter of Christ. The change produced in your hearts and lives, and the salvation which you have received, are as truly the work of Christ as a letter dictated and written by a man in his work. Ministered by us . . . you are the writing, but Christ used me as the pen; Christ dictated, and I wrote; and the Godly characters are not made with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God. The gifts and graces that establish the mind that was in Christ are produced in you by the Holy Ghost.
Written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart . . . not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. The work of salvation took place in all your affections, appetites and desires, and that change within you is clearly seen without. Consider: Jesus Christ dictates, the apostle writes, the hearts of the Corinthians are on which the writing is made, and the Holy Spirit produces an effect on their hearts by which the changes are made, and their lives reveal the change. This is what happens when salvation takes place in our lives.

Gospel much more excellent than the Law of Moses (2 Cor.3:4-12)

2 Cor. 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: (KJV)

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward . . . Paul tells them that he had the fullest trust and confidence that God had endorsed their ministry; and that they were converted because of him, and they were monuments of God’s mercy, and proofs of the truth of our ministry. Paul says this because he had confidence in God through Christ.

2 Cor. 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; (KJV)

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves . . . Paul says that we do not claim to ourselves any power to enlighten the mind or change the heart. He said that we are only instruments in the Hand of God. It was not possible for Paul or any of the apostles to think, or to invent such a system of salvation as is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so how could they have fulfilled such Promises as this plan of salvation abounds with? Only God alone could fulfill these Promises, and He fulfils only those Promises which He makes Himself. All these Promises have been sanctioned and fulfilled to you who have believed on Christ Jesus according to our preaching . . . therefore, you are God's workmanship and it is only by God's sufficiency that we have been able to do anything.
But our sufficiency is of God . . . Paul says it is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. We are qualified by God.

Contrasts Between The Old And New Covenants (2 Cor.3:6-18)
Comparing the Old Covenant with the New Covenant (2 Cor.3:6-10)

2 Cor. 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV)

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament . . . we will see a contrast between the old covenant (the Old Testament) and the new covenant (the New Testament). There is a contrast here in many different ways.
Not of the letter, but of the spirit . . . in the Old Testament, and especially in the Law, the letter kills; the letter of the Law actually condemns us. The Law tells us that we all are guilty sinners. Those letters which were written on the tables of stone (Ex.24:12; 31:18; 32:15-16; Deut.5:22), condemned man.
For the letter killeth. . . the Mosaic Law NEVER gave life. That is the contrast Paul is making here. The letter (Law) kills. Not even Moses, the law-giver, could be saved by the Law! He was a murderer (Ex.2:11-22). Nor could David be saved by the Law, for he committed adultery and murder (2 Sam.11:2-5, 6-25). Friend, you CANNOT be saved by keeping the Law. The Law condemns you and the Law kills you.
But the spirit giveth life . . . the spirit, by the Gospel, the New Covenant of grace (Rom.6:14-15), giveth life! The Gospel shows the way to life . . . eternal life (Jn.3:15; 5:39; 10:28) . . . and the Gospel, in the Hand of the Spirit giveth life; both that life which is spiritual, and that which is eternal, as it prepares the soul for life and immortality.

Seventy five Old Covenant and New Covenant Contrasts
#1. First covenant . . . Second covenant (Heb.8:7; 9:1; Heb.7:7; 10:1-9)
#2. Came by Moses . . . Came by Christ (Jn.1:17; Heb.8:6; 9:15)
#3. Law of Moses . . . Law of Christ (Acts 13:38-39; Gal.6:2)
#4. Law of sin . . . Law of righteousness (Rom.7:23; 8:2; Rom.9:31)
#5. Law of the flesh . . . Law of the Spirit (Rom.7:5-6; Rom.8:2)
#6. Not of faith . . . Law of faith (Gal.3:12; Rom.3:27)
#7. Yoke of bondage . . . Law of liberty (Gal.5:1; Jam.1:25)
#8. Ended by Christ . . . Started by Christ (Rom.10:4; Heb.8:6; 10:9)
#9. Brought death . . . Brought life (2 Cor.3:7; Rom.8:2; Gal.3)
#10. Makes guilty . . . Makes free (2 Cor.3:9; Gal.5:1; Jn.8)
#11. A shadow . . . A reality (Col.2:14-17; Heb.10:1-18)
#12. Fulfilled . . . Now in force (Mat.5:17-18; Heb.8:6; 10:9)
#13. Demands righteousness . . . Gives righteousness (Lk.10:28; Jn.1:17; 3:16)
#14. Makes imperfect . . . Makes perfect (Heb.7:19)
#15. Glorious . . . More glorious (2 Cor.3:7; 2 Cor.3:8-10
#16. Powerless to save . . . Saves to uttermost (Heb.9:9; 10:4; Heb.7:25)
#17. Many sacrifices . . . One sacrifice (Heb.9:12-13; Heb.10:12)
#18. Temporary priests . . . Eternal priest (Heb.7:23; Heb.7:17)
#19. Remembers sins . . . Forgets sins (Heb.10:3; Heb.8:12; 10:17)
#20. Yearly atonement . . . Eternal atonement (Heb.10:3; Heb.10:14)
#21. Of Levi . . . Of Judah (Heb.7:11; Heb.7:14)
#22. Many animal sacrifices . . . ONE Human sacrifice (Heb.9:12; Heb.9:14-28)
#23. Earthly tabernacle . . . Heavenly tabernacle (Heb.9:2; Heb.8:2)
#24. Sinful mediator . . . Sinless Mediator (Gal.3:19; 1 Tim.2:5)
#25. No inheritance . . . Eternal inheritance (Rom.4:13; Heb.9:5)
#26. Sanctioned by animal blood . . . Sanctioned by the precious Blood of Christ (Heb.9:16-22; Mat.26:28)
#27. Law of works . . . Law of grace (Rom.3:26-31; Jn.:17)
#28. Law worketh wrath . . . Christ saves from wrath (Rom.4:15; 5:9)
#29. Law could not redeem . . . Christ Redeems (Heb.10:4; Gal.3:13; Heb.9:12-15)
#30. Law could not satisfy . . . Jesus does satisfy God (Isa.1:13-14; Heb.10:15-18)
#31. Circumcision . . . No circumcision (Ex.12:48; Rom.4:9-25)
#32. Made to change . . . Made eternal (Heb.9, Gal.3; Heb.13:20)

#33. Faulty . . . Perfect (Heb.8:7; Jam.1:25)
#34. Weak . . . Strong (Heb.7:18; Heb.7:25)
#35. Unprofitable . . . Profitable (Heb.7:18; Heb.7:19,25)
#36. Daily program . . . Finished program (Heb.7:27; Heb.10:10-18)
#37. Weak priests . . . Perfect priest (Heb.5:2; 7:28; Heb.7:26)
#38. No salvation . . . Eternal salvation (Heb.10:2-4; Heb.5:9; 10:10)
#39. Nothing perfect . . . Makes perfect (Heb.7:19; Heb.10:14)
#40. No intercessors . . . Two intercessors (Isa.59:16; Rom.8:26,34; Heb.7:25)
#41. Costly program . . . Free for all (Heb.5:1; 9:9; Eph.2:8; Rev.22:17)
#42. Earthly agents . . . Heavenly agent (Heb.5:1-4; Heb.9:24; 10:12)
#43. Wearisome failure . . . Glorious success (Heb.10:11; Heb.10:10-18)
#44. No personal access . . . Personal access to God (Heb.9:7; Heb.4:14-16; 10:19)
#45. Many offerings . . . One offering (Heb.9:12-13; Heb.10:10-14)
#46. Good promises . . . Better promises (Deut.28:1-14; Heb.8:6)
#47. A good covenant . . . A better covenant (Rom.7:12; Heb.7:22; 8:6)
#48. Many priests . . . One priest (Heb.7:23; Heb.7:24-28)
#49. Many sufferings . . . One suffering (Heb.9:12-13; Heb.9:26; 10:14)
#50. Present things . . . Things to come (Heb.9:9; Heb.10:1)
#51. Physical tabernacle . . . True tabernacle (heb.9; Heb.8:2; 9:11)
#52. Dead works. . . Living service (Heb.9:14)
#53. Made at Sinai . . . Made at Calvary (Gal.4:24; Mat.26:28)
#54. No mercy . . . Complete mercy (Heb.10:28; Heb.8:12)
#55. Handmade things . . . Heavenly things (Heb.9:15,24; Heb.9:23-24)
#56. Given by angels . . . By the Holy Spirit (Gal.3:19; Heb.10:15-18)
#57. An old way . . . A new and living way (Heb.8:13. Heb.10:19-20)
#58. Carnal ministry . . . Spiritual ministry (Heb.9:9-10; 2 Cor.3:6)
#59. Ministration of condemnation . . . Ministration of righteousness (2 Cor.3:9)
#60. Glory covered . . . Glory uncovered (2 Cor.3:13; 2 Cor.3:18)
#61. Brings bondage . . . Brings liberty (Gal.4:24-25; 2 Cor.3:17)
#62. Cannot justify . . . Can justify (Gal.2:16; Acts 13:38-39)
#63. Brings a curse . . . Redeems from it (Gal.3:10; Gal.3:13)
#64. Live by works . . . Live by faith (Gal.3:10; Gal.3:11)
#65. Cannot give life . . . Can give life (Gal.3:21; Jn.6:63-68)
#66. Exposes sin . . . Covers sin (Gal.3:19; Rom.4:1-8)
#67. Under law . . . Under grace (Rom.6:14-15; Gal.22-25)
#68. Produces persecution . . . Produces tolerance (Gal.4:29; 1 Cor.13)
#69. Abolished . . . Remains (2 Cor.3:13; 2 Cor.3:11)
#70. Cast out . . . Not cast out (Gal.4:30; Heb.8:6)
#71. Taken away . . . Not taken away (Heb.10:9)
#72. Blotted out . . . Not blotted out (Col.2:14-17; Heb.8:6)
#73. For Israel only . . . For all people (Deut.4:7-8; 5:3; Mat.26:28)
#74. Old Testament . . . New Testament (2 Cor.3:14; 2 Cor.3:6)
#75. Could not satisfy . . . Does satisfy God (Isa.1:13-14; Heb.10:15-18)

See the parable of the two covenants: (Gal.4:22-31)

2 Cor. 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: (KJV)

But if the ministration of death . . . in the previous verses, Paul had referred to the institutions of Moses, and to the superiority of the Gospel. He had said that the Law of Moses was engraved on stones, but the Gospel was engraved on the heart (verse 3), that the letter of the Law tended to death, but the Gospel to life (verse 6). This sentiment Paul further proceeds to explain, by showing in what the superior glory of the Gospel consisted. The phrase "ministration of death" refers to the Mosaic institutions.
Written and engraven in stones . . . the Ten Commandments, the substance of all the Mosaic institutes, and the principal laws of his economy, were written, or engraven on tables of stone.
Was glorious . . . was attended with magnificence and splendor. The glory referred to here consisted in the circumstance of beauty and grandeur in which the Law of Moses was given. It was: #1. the glory of God, as he was manifested on Mount Sinai, as the Lawgiver and Ruler of the people. #2. The glory of the attending circumstances, of thunder, lightnings, fire, earthquake, etc., in which God appeared.
Exodus 19:16-20 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. (KJV)
The Law was given in these circumstances. Its giving, herecalled the ministration was amidst such displays of the glory of God. #3. It was a high honor and glory for Moses to be permitted to approach so near to God; to speak with Him; and to receive at His Hand the Law for His people, and for the world. These were circumstances of striking majesty and grandeur . . . BUT Paul says the Law was hidden and surpassed by the ministry of the Gospel. The first set of tables of Law was broken by Moses, out of fury at the people’s sin (Ex.32:15-35; Deut.9:16-17). Exodus 34:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. (KJV) Exodus 34:4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. (KJV)

So that the children of Israel, could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance . . . Exodus 34:29-30 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. (KJV) . . . The word rendered stedfastly behold means to gaze intently upon; to look at steadily, constantly, or fixed on (Acts 1:10). There was an amazing splendor, such a great dispersal of light that they could not look steadily upon Moses, just as we cannot look directly at the sun. How was this brilliance produced? I think that the extreme brightness of God is SO manifest that even a small time in the Presence of God would have tended to illuminate Moses.
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (KJV)
Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. (KJV)
Revelation 1:13-16 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (KJV)
Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (KJV)
Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (KJV)
Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (KJV)
Moses’ condition could not have come from natural causes; and was no doubt designed to be to the Israelites a confirmation that Moses had been with God, and was commissioned by Him. They would see: #1. That it was unnatural, such as no known cause could produce; and #2. they would recognize a resemblance to the manner in which God usually appeared . . . the glory of the Shekinah in which He so often manifested Himself to them . It would be to them, therefore, proof that Moses had been with God. Shekinah; Glory of God: (Ex.13:21;22; 14:19-24; Ex.24:16-18; Ex.25:22; 40:34-38; Lev.16:2; Num.9:15-23; 10:11-36; 14:14; Deut.1:33; 2 Sam.6:2; Neh.9:12,19; Ps.18:7-15; 78:14; 80:1; 99:7; 105:39; Isa.4:5-6; 37:16; Eze.9:3; Eze.10:18; Haggai 2:9; Zec.2:5; Mat.24:44; Luke 1:35; Luke 2:9; Col. 2:9; 2 Peter 1:17; Acts 1:9; 2 Cor.3:18; 2 Cor.4:6; Heb.9:5; Rev.21:3).
Which glory was to be done away . . . the splendor of that scene was fleeting, the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious. It did not last, but was soon gone. It was not intended to continue. That shining or splendor was temporary; it was not meant to be permanent. Neither were the wonderful scenes accompanying the giving of the Law on Sinai, nor was the shining on the countenance of Moses intended to stay. The thunders of Sinai would cease to roll; the lightnings would stop; the visible manifestations of the Presence of God would all be gone; and the supernatural illumination of the face of Moses also would soon cease. I think that Paul means that the glory of Moses, and of his dispensation, was a fading glory; but that the glory of the Gospel would be permanent, and ever increasing for ever.

The old covenant, the Law, was a ministration of death. When Paul says that it was written and engraved on stones, we know he is talking about the Ten Commandments. It was glorious, it is the will of God, and it is good, even though they condemn both you and me. There is NOTHING wrong with the Law. The problem is with us! It proves that we are sinners, because God’s Word says that NO one can keep the Law (Rom.3:10,23). THAT is why we NEED Jesus! He is the only One who ever kept the Law, the WHOLE Law, all of it!
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (KJV) . . . When we trust Jesus, His righteousness (1 Cor.1:30), is transferred to us. Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (KJV) . . . Justified = just as if I’d never sinned! Declared NOT guilty in the courts of Heaven! Thank You Jesus!

2 Cor. 3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? (KJV)

How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious . . . if the Old Testament was glorious, how much more so the New Testament! This is an argument from the less to the greater. Several things are worthy of notice: #1. Maybe the proper contrast to the ministration of death (verse 7), would be ministration of life, but Paul chose to call it the ministration of the Spirit, as the source of life, or as granting higher value on the Gospels than to have called it simply the ministration of life. #2. Of the Spirit here clearly means the Holy Spirit; and the whole verse means the Gospel, or the preaching of the Gospel, by which eminently the Holy Spirit is imparted. #3. It is by the high honor of the Gospel by which the Holy Spirit is imparted to men. The Gospel’s plan is to secure the salvation of men by the work of the Holy Spirit, and it is through the ministry that the Holy Spirit is conveyed, the heart renewed, and the soul saved. The work of the ministry is the most important and honorable work in which man can engage.
The ministration of the spirit is much more glorious . . . than the ministry of death (Law) . . . #1. That of Moses tended to death; but the Holy Spiritto life! #2. The ministry of death was engraven on stone; the ministration of the spirit is engraven on the heart. #3. The ministry of death was the mere giving of the Law; but the ministration of the spirit is attached and joined with the renewing influences of the Holy Spirit. #4. The ministry of death was soon to pass away. All the splendor was soon to vanish. But, the ministration of the spirit is to remain. Its influence and effect are eternal! The work of the Spirit of God on the heart of a repentant soul, is much more important than anything which can be engraved on lifeless stones.

2 Cor. 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. (KJV)

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory . . . what Paul had before called the ministration of death, he here calls the ministration of condemnation; giving us a good reason why he called the Law the ministration of death . . . because it led unto eternal death, as showing men as sinners, accusing and condemning men for ANY sinful acts. If it pleased God to make that ministration glorious, that the minister of the Law (Moses) appeared so glorious in the eyes of Aaron and of the people; then the ministration of righteousness (by which Paul means the Gospel) has to be much more glorious. Paul tells us: Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (KJV) . . . The gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation . . . this is the purpose and end of the Gospel of Christ. Salvation simply means deliverance (from eternal death, Hell), Salvation embraces everything from beginning to end . . . from justification (Rom.3:21-26; 4:5-8; 5:1) to glorification (1 Cor.15:43,51-57; Phil.3:20-21; 1 Jn.3:1-2).
The ministration of righteousness means the ministration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the doctrine that reveals truth and righteousness. Righteousness is here opposed to condemnation (blame, criticism, conviction, disapproval). Righteousness (1 Cor.1:30) justifies us before God (Rom.5:1,21). God does NOT so freely remit sins, but He declares Jesus’ righteousness in the remission of them; and will show Himself just, while He shows Himself the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus (Rom.3:26). The ministration of righteousness is seen in sins forgiven; in peace of mind and conscience; in the utter joy of pardon of sins; in the hope of Heaven (Tit.1:2); in comfort and triumph on our death bed (2 Cor.5:6,8,9), and one day, living in the midst the splendors of Heaven with our Master!
The parable of the two covenants: Gal.4:22-31

2 Cor. 3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. (KJV)

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth . . . the Law had in it something of deep-down glory and excellence, as it was the revelation of the will of God to and concerning, His creatures. There was an inseparable glory attending it, and it was made glorious in the ministration of it; and it pleased God that the giving of it should be united with thunder and lightnings, fire and smoke, and an earthquake, and a voice like to the sound of a trumpet (Ex.19:16-18). This event was that which was glorious in itself, glorious also in the eyes of the people that saw and heard these things. But Paul says, if we compare it with the glory of the Gospel, it had relatively no glory; for the Gospel does so much excel. Although the Law was the revelation of the God’s will, the Law was the revelation of the God’s will as to duty and wrath, in case of nonperformance of that duty (disobedience to the Law); whereas the Gospel is also the revelation of God’s will, but to grace and mercy, forgiveness of sin and eternal life. And although the Gospel came not into the world in such an extreme manner as did the law, with thunder, and lightning, and earthquakes; yet the Gospel was ushered in by angels, foretelling the birth and office of John the Baptist (Lk.1:11-20,57-65), and of Christ; by the great sign of the virgin's conceiving and bringing forth a Son (Lk.1:26-56; 2:1-38; Mat.1:18-25; 2:1-12); by a voice from Heaven, proclaiming Christ as the Father's only begotten Son, in whom He was well pleased (Mat.3:13-17; Mk.1:9-11; Lk.3:21-23). But that which the apostle Paul does here mainly intend, is the exceeding excellence of the Gospel, in regard to its further usefulness and comforting nature. By reason of the glory that excelleth . . . in the Gospel; in the incarnation, in the life, sufferings, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; in the pardon of sin; in the peace and joy of the believer; and in the grandeurs of the Heavenly world to which the Gospel promises (Tit.1:2).

2 Cor. 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. (KJV)

For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious . . . here is another argument by Paul, proving the ministration of the Gospel to be much more glorious than the ministration of the Law, because it is far more durable and abiding. The strength of the argument depends on this principle . . . that any long-lasting good is more excellent, more superb and more glorious than anything that is but fleeting, enduring but a short time. The Law contained in ordinances is done away; therefore the ministration of it must cease. There are now no priests, no Levites, no worldly sanctuary, no ministrations in it, or relating to it. But our Lord Jesus told us that the Gospel shall be preached to the end of the world (Mat.28:19; Lk.24:47-48; Mk.13:10; 16:15).The ministration of the Gospel has to be more glorious, since that which is eternal is more glorious than that which is fleeting and vanishing.
The Gospel is permanent, or abiding: #1. Because it is designed to remain unchallengeable through the farthest ages. It will not to be outdated by any new economy or institution. It is the dispensation under which the affairs of the world are to be wound up, and under which the world is to close (1 Cor.15:51). #2. Its effects on the heart are permanent. The Gospel is complete in itself. It will not be followed by any other system, nor does it look to any other system in order to complete or perfect its operations on the soul. #3. Its effects on the soul shall abide for ever. Those regenerated by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor.3:3; 5:17), will exist eternally in Heaven when we are transferred there one day. The effects of the Spirit are to be seen in the soul that shall be recovered from sin.

New Covenant Replaces the Old Covenant (2 Cor.3:12-18)

2 Cor. 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: (KJV)

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech . . . hope is a compound emotion made up of a desire for something, and expecting it to happen. Hope here means a confident, expectation of something that is going to come to pass. The term such hope refers to something that went before: the logic is: We have confident expectation, that our ministration of the Gospel shall not cease, like the ministration of the law has done; and that the doctrine of the Gospel does NOT bring something temporary, but instead brings an everlasting righteousness. There shall never be any righteousness revealed, where any soul can stand righteous before God . . . EXCEPT the righteousness which is revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! That righteousness is from faith to faith (Rom.1:17), and Paul was neither ashamed nor afraid to preach the Gospel with all freedom and boldness.
This may help make it a little more clear: #1. It refers mainly to Paul, and the other ministers of the Gospel. It is not properly the Christian hope, to which Paul refers, but it is the hope to which the ministers of the Gospel had. #2. It refers to all that Paul had said before about the superiority of the Gospel as contrasted to the Law; and is designed to express the result of all that was on his mind, and on the minds of his fellow-laborers. #3. It refers to the confidence which Paul had as the effect of what he had just said, the prospect of eternal life; the clear expectation (hope) of acceptance, and the anticipation of Heaven, based on the fact that this was a ministry of the Spirit (verse 8), it was a ministry showing the way of justification (verse 9), and that it was a ministry never to be done away, but to abide for ever (verse 11). On all these this strong hope was based; and in all of these, Paul expressed himself clearly, not mysteriously; and not in types and figures, as Moses did. Everything about the Gospel was clear and this led to the confident expectation and assurance of Heaven. Great plainness of speech . . . boldness! Paul used the word plainness, as applied to speech, for two reasons: #1. Plainness means boldness, truthfulness, faithfulness, openness as opposed to fearful, timid, nervous and unfaithful; and, #2. Plainness means clear, intelligible and with simplicity, as opposed to obscure, hazy, vague and difficult forms of speech. I think this means that pastors should use clear and understandable language; not language full of symbols, parables and unusual terms. They should not attempt to veil or cloak their meaning. They should use language that was common; expressing themselves as much as possible in the language of public life. Preaching is worth absolutely nothing if no one really understands what is said! Preachers should remember that the Lord Jesus spoke in plain and simple words and illustrations; although the Lord Jesus did speak in parables and proverbs many times (Mat.13:1-52; Jn.10:6; Jn.10:1-5,7-9; 16:25).
John 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. (KJV) John 16:29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. (KJV)
WHY did Jesus speak in parables? To ANYONE with a heartfelt hunger for God, a parable is a very effective and impressive way to convey or express God’s Truths. The Lord Jesus’ parables contained great volumes of Truth in just a very few words! His parables were rich in symbols, and are not easy to forget. In reality, a parable is a true blessing to anyone with willing ears. On the other hand, a parable, to those with hard hearts and ears that are slow to hear, the parable is also an instrument of both judgment and mercy.
Most people in the time of Jesus (especially the Jews), were NOT interested in the Truth!
The Truth of God must be understood spiritually. The vast majority of people in Jesus' day were NOT interested in God's Truth . . . history repeats itself! It is the same in today’s world! Jesus clearly said: Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (KJV)

The apostle Paul also spoke in parables at times, but when he preached the Gospel, he spoke PLAINLY! (Rom.11:16-24; 13:14; 1 Cor.3:4 to 1 Cor.4:5; Gal.4:24; Eph.6:13-17).
1 Cor. 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. (KJV)

2 Cor. 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: (KJV)

And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished . . . the brilliance of Moses' face was so great that the Israelites could not bear to look at his face, so he was had to use a veil. Paul very elegantly turns that Passage into a symbol. The brilliance of Moses's face, symbolically anticipated or foreshadowed the brilliance of Christ who was to be the Light of the world (Jn.1:4,14); as Christ was from eternity the brightness of his Father's glory (Heb.1:3). Moses did not put a veil on his face so the children of Israel might not look at him; but that event also anticipated the blinding of the Jews (Rom.11:7-8,25; 2 Cor.3:14-16); they first shut their eyes and would not see, then God simply shut their eyes that they could not see that Christ was the end of the law for righteousness, the true Messiah, and the Mediator between God and man.

During the physical ministry of the Lord Jesus on the Earth, His message was limited to Israel, to the Jews, and it was not at that time brought to the Gentiles, although there were some Gentiles who heard Jesus speak and did believe. After Jesus' resurrection, Peter opened the door to the preaching of the Gospel of the Gentiles (Acts 10:1 to Acts 11:18), and after that Paul became their chief apostolic advocate and teacher. So it seems that there was a time appointed for the Jews to hear the Word, and then came a time for the Gentiles to take precedence. The times of the Gentiles (is the period during which the Gospel goes to them on a preferential basis, and this time will continue until they have had a full opportunity to accept the Truth, or in other words until the fullness of the Gentiles is completed. My opinion on this is that God may have a certain number of Gentiles in mind, and when that number is reached, the Rapture will take place. Then the message will go again to the Jews, meaning to the Jews as a nation of Israel and as a people, which seems to me to mean the Great Tribulation Period (Rev.7). The only occurrence of the phrase times of the Gentiles is found in Luke 21:24, which I have brought forward from our Gospel of Luke commentary:
Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (KJV)
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword . . . the number of those that perished by the famine and sword, was said to be eleven hundred thousand. http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/luke-21-24.html
And shall be led away captive unto all nations . . . when the city was taken, the most handsome of the young men were kept for the triumph; and those that were above seventeen years of age, were sent bound into Egypt, to work in the mines; many were distributed through the provinces, to be destroyed in the theatres, by the sword or beasts; and those that were under seventeen years of age, were led captive to be sold; and the number of these only, were ninety-seven thousand.
And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles . . . the Romans, who ploughed up the city and temple, and laid them level with the ground; and that place has been ever since inhabited by such as were not Jews, as Turks and Papists, and so it will be,
Until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled . . . that is, until the fullness of the Gentiles is brought in (Rom.11:25); until the Gospel is preached all over the world (Mat.24:14), and all God's elect are gathered in out of all nations (Isa.11:12; Jer.29:14); and then the Jews will be converted, and return to their own land (Isa.14:1), and rebuild and inhabit Jerusalem (Isa.44:26) but until that time, it will be as it has been, and still is possessed by Gentiles.
Gentile Believers: (Isa.11:1,10; Mat.8:10; Lk.7:2-3; 23:47; Jn.10:16; Acts 8:12; 10:7; 18:7; Rom.9:30; 15:12).

2 Cor. 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. (KJV)

But their minds were blinded . . . blinded here means to harden; to make hard like stone; and to make dull or stupid. It is applied to the heart, not the eyes (Mk.6:52: 8:17) to persons in (Rom.11:7), and to the eyes (Job.17:7). Paul refers here to the act that the understanding of the Jews were stupid, dull, and unaware, so that they could not see clearly the design and end of their own foundations. Paul simply states the fact; he does not refer to the cause of it. The fact that the Jews were thus blinded and dull is often affirmed in the New Testament.
For until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament . . . it seems that even to the time when Paul wrote this, it was typical of the great mass of the Jewish people, that they did NOT understand the truth of their own Scriptures. They did not understand its doctrines in respect to the Messiah. Vail (verse 13) comes from the Old Testament, as the vail over the face of Moses, so that the glory of their own Scriptures is totally concealed from their view, just as the glory of the face of Moses was hidden.
Which vail is done away in Christ . . . the vail of the Old Testament, the mystery of Christ and the Gospel that was not revealed in the Old Testament (1 Cor.2:7; Eph. 5:23-32; 6:19; Col.2:2,9; 4:3). When Jesus appeared as the Messiah, the vail was removed. The mystery and obscurity that rested on the prophecies was withdrawn; just as the face of Moses could have definitely been seen, if the vail over his face had been removed, so it is in regard to the true meaning of the Old Testament by the coming of the Messiah. What had been obscure is now made clear; and the prophecies of Christ are totally fulfilled in Him. His Coming removed the vail, and shed a clear light on all the prophecies! Messianic, Old Testament prophecies: (Gen.3:15; 12:3; 49:10; Deut.18:15; Ps.2:2; 45:2; 68:18; 69:21; 110:1; 118:22; 132:11; Isa.2:4; 7:14; 9:2,7; 11:10; 25:8; 28:16; 42:1; 49:6; 52:14; 53:2; 55:4; 59:16; 61:1; 62:11; 63:1; Jer.23:5; Eze.17:22; Dan.2:34,44; 7:13; 9:25; Mic.5:2; Hag.2:7; Zec.3:8; 6:12; 11:12; 12:10; 13:7; Mal.3:1).

2 Cor. 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. (KJV)

But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart . . . to the time when Paul wrote this letter, about thirty years after Christ took our place on the cross . . . BUT . . . it is still just as true today, as it was in the time of Paul! The character and conduct of the Jews today totally agree with the description which Paul gives of them in his time, as to constitute one of the strong incidental proofs that the account in the New Testament is true. When Moses is read . . . when the five books of Moses and the prophets are read, as they were regularly in the Jew’s synagogues (Lk.4:16-17). The vail is upon their heart . . . the Jews simply CANNOT see the true meaning and beauty of their own Scriptures.

2 Cor. 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. (KJV)

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away . . . the time is coming when the Jews will understand the Scriptures, and see their awesome beauty. When the Jewish people shall be converted, their blindness will not always remain, for there is a day coming when they shall turn to God, shall understand His Promises, and become aware of the truth of their Messiah (and ours). The vail shall be taken away . . . they shall then understand the true meaning of the prophecies, and will clearly see that they refer to none other than JESUS!

2 Cor. 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (KJV)

Now the Lord is that Spirit . . . (1 Cor.15:45; Rom.8:2), Lord here clearly means the Lord Jesus (verse 16). It requires us to understand it of God, it refers to the Lord Jesus. It was the common name by which He was known (Jn.20:13; 21:7,12; Eph.4:1,5). It seems that the intention of Paul in this verse to account for the liberty which he and his helpers had, or for the boldness, openness, and plainness (verse 12), or for the door opened to him (2 Cor.2:12), which they displayed in a struggle with the Jews, who just did not understand the nature of their ministry. Paul had said (verse 6) that he was a minister not of the letter, but of the Spirit; and he had stated that the Old Testament was not understood by the Jews who followed the letter of the Law (verse 6-7). He here says, that the Lord Jesus was the Spirit to which he referred, and by which he was enabled to understand the Old Testament so as to speak plainly, and without obscurity. JESUS IS GOD: http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_is_jesus_god.htm
And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty . . . this is a truth illustrating the particular sentiment which he had just advanced. Liberty I think refers to freedom in speaking; the power of speaking openly and freely verse 12. Liberty states the general truth that the result of the Spirit of God was to give light and clearness, to remove obscurity from a subject, and to enable one to see it plainly. TRUE children of God have freedom (liberty), from the dark and obscure views of the Jews; freedom from their prejudices, and their superstitions and freedom from the slavery and bondage of sin. The freedom of the children of God, have clear views of Him as their Father and Redeemer, and who are enabled to express those views openly and boldly to the world. Children of God: (Mat.5:9; Lk.10:36; 20:36; Jn.11:52; Rom.8:16-17,21; 9:8,26; Gal;3:26; Eph.5:1; 1 Jn.3:10; 4:4; 5:2,10).

2 Cor. 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (KJV)

But we all . . . all children of God, TRUE Christians. Paul seems to refer to Christians, as opposed to the Jews.
With open face . . . (1 Cor.13:12). Some commentators think this to mean: And now the Lord's glory appears in us all as in a glass. The idea is, with unvailed face, referring to the fact (verse 13), that the face of Moses was vailed, so that the Children of Israel could not steadfastly look on it . . . BUT that Christians are enabled to look upon the glory of the Lord in the Gospel . . . without a vail . . . without any obscurity! The glorious Promises and privileges of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be anticipated by desire and hope (Tit.1:2), and apprehend them by faith (1 Pet.1:5,9), and shall be changed to the glorious image of the glory of God. New resurrected body: (1 Cor.15:42-54; Phil.3:21; Col.3:4; 1 Jn.3:2).
TRUE children of God: http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord . . . (1 Cor.13:12), glass here has been very variously interpreted: #1. We all should reflect as mirrors, the glory of the Lord. #2. Our lifestyle should be as a mirror, reflecting the glory of the Lord. #3. As a mirror (glass), the Gospel reflects the glory of the Lord, and that glory was reflected so that it might be seen by Christians (Jews and Gentiles). There was no vail over it; no obscurity; nothing to break its dazzling splendor, or nothing to prevent its meeting the eye.
When a Christian looks on the Gospel, they could see the glorious perfections and plans of God as bright, and clear. They could see the light of the Gospel reflected from the glossy surface of the mirror, just as the glorious perfections of God shine down from Heaven, the Gospel beams and is thus reflected to the eye and the heart of the TRUE Christian. The effect of the Gospel transforms them into the same image. This Passage is one of tremendous beauty, and is meant to set forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ as being the reflection of the infinite glories of God to the minds and hearts of men. The glory of the Lord . . . the splendor, majesty and holiness of our awesome Triune God is manifested (revealed) in the Gospel of the Lord as incarnate (alive and well). Jesus as God is clearly and definitely seen in the Gospel. There is no obscurity, no vail as in the case of Moses. The Gospel of Jesus Christ allows us to look fully on the full brilliance and splendor of our God’s perfections: His love, grace, compassion, justice, goodness, mercy and kindness. The perfections of our God shines forth with splendor and beauty in the Gospel, so that we can look on them clearly and openly.
Are changed into the same image . . . it is possible that the reference here is to the effect which was produced by looking into an ancient mirror. Such mirrors were made of burnished metal, and the reflection from them would be intense. If a strong light was cast on them, the rays would be thrown by reflection onto the face of him who looked on the mirror. It would be lit up to an extreme. The glory of God and the magnificence of God’s perfections, would be thrown on the Gospel, as it seems, like a bright light on a highly polished mirror; and that that glory was reflected from the Gospel, onto him who considered it, so that he appeared to be transformed into the same image.
We are then changed into His very image by a continued progression of glory, streaming upon us from the Lord. The symbol is one of great beauty; and the idea is, that by placing ourselves within the light of the Gospel, by considering the glory that shines there, we are changed into the likeness of the same glory, and conformed to that which shines there with so much splendor. By considering the wonderful Face of the blessed Redeemer, we are changed into the same image.
From glory to glory . . . from one degree of glory to another. The more we behold this brilliant and glorious Light, the more we reflect back its rays, the more we consider the great Truths of Christianity, the more our minds and hearts become filled with its Spirit. This is said in contrast most likely to Moses. The brilliance on his face gradually died away . . . but NOT so with the light reflected from the Gospel. It becomes deeper and brighter continually. This feeling matches that expressed by the psalmist: Psalm 84:7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. (KJV) . . . They go from one degree of strength to another, or one degree of holiness to another, until they come to the full vision of God Himself in Heaven. There is a continual increase of moral purity and holiness in the Gospel, until it results in the perfect glory of Heaven. The doctrine is, that Christians advance in righteousness, and that this is done by considering the glory of God as it is revealed in the Gospel.
Even as by the Spirit of the Lord . . . it is by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit of the law, the Spirit, referred to by Paul above (verses 6 &17). It is done by the Holy Spirit being procured or conveyed by the Lord Jesus. That is which prevails everywhere in the Bible, that it is by the Holy Spirit alone that the heart is changed and purified. Glory to glory was by the Spirit of God alone, that the heart was changed under the Gospel, and in the middle of the full glow of its Truth. Were it not for the Spirit of the Lord, the glorious Truths of the Gospel would be in vain, and would produce no saving effect on the human heart.

This is a remarkable Passage of Scripture. Paul has been talking about the vail being on the heart; then when we turn to Christ, that vial is taken away. Now as believers we look upon the Lord Jesus Christ . . . but even as believers, our eyes are vailed when there is sin in our lives.
Do you want to be Christ-like? Then you had better spend some time looking at Jesus!

Consider this: our lives are molded by the persons with whom we associate and by the things which we consider. We drink in the opinions of others, we copy their habits, we imitate their manners, we fall into the customs of those with whom we have daily fellowship, and with whom we make our companions and friends. Their thoughts become our thoughts, and their ways our ways. And my friend, it is the same with the books which we read. We are certainly molded to conform to the opinions, sayings and feelings which are in those books! Our feelings undergo a gradual change, and we are likened to those with which we are reading. BEWARE!!!
Some people never pick up a Bible, even though one of these life-saving Books is in nearly every home in America. SO sad! That Book could give you eternal life in Heaven one day! BEWARE!!! How you live, with whom you associate, what you do, what you read . . . can do one of two things: #1. Give you eternal life in Heaven or #2. Give you eternal death in Hell! BEWARE!!! It is in YOUR hands! I believe that God gives us this time on Earth to decide WHERE we shall spend eternity. Please make the right decision!

See the parable of the two covenants: (Gal.4:22-31)

2 Corinthians

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