The openness of Christian ministry 3:12-18"If the keyword in 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 is ’glory,’ the keyword for 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, of which 2 Corinthians 3:12-15 form the first part, is ’veil’; ’veil’-related words occur six times in these verses." [Note: Barnett, p. 188.] read more
In conclusion, Paul referred to Christian experience generally. All Christians, not just the Israelites’ leader, Moses, experience transformation daily as we contemplate the glory of God revealed in His Word and especially in the living Word, Jesus Christ. The perception of that revelation is still indirect. Paul’s point was that the image of God that we see in the Word accurately reflects God, though we do not yet see God Himself. What we see in the mirror of God’s Word is the Lord, not... read more
3:18 transformed (e-15) As Romans 12:2 . From metamorphoo , translated 'transfigured' in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 . Spirit. (f-31) See vers. 6,17. read more
This chapter is closely connected with what goes before, and carries on the vindication of the Apostle’s conduct.1-6. Paraphrase. ’In speaking thus highly of my motives I am not writing a letter to commend myself, nor do I need (like these opponents of mine) letters of recommendation either to you or from you. (2) You, my converts, are my best recommendation, for I think of you with gratitude as do all who know your faith and works. (3) You are, indeed, a very letter of Christ who has used me... read more
(18) But we all, with open face.—Better, And we all, with unveiled face.—The relation of this sentence to the foregoing is one of sequence and not of contrast, and it is obviously important to maintain in the English, as in the Greek, the continuity of allusive thought involved in the use of the same words as in 2 Corinthians 3:14. “We,” says the Apostle, after the parenthesis of 2 Corinthians 3:17, “are free, and therefore we have no need to cover our faces, as slaves do before the presence of... read more
2 Corinthians 3:3 Dr. Deissmann speaks of 'the beautiful figure in 2 Corinthians 3:3 , according to which St. Paul has a letter to write for Christ This characteristic expression includes a parallel to the technical term "letter of Augustus," i.e., Imperial letter, which is found in an inscription of the Imperial period at Ancyra.' Light from the Ancient East, p. 379. References. III. 3. J. G. Greenhough, The Mind of Christ in St. Paul, p. 194 Expositor (5th Series), vol. ix. p. 14. Our... read more
Chapter 10THE TRANSFIGURING SPIRIT2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (R.V)THE "hope" which here explains the Apostle’s freedom of speech is to all intents and purposes the same as the "confidence" in 2 Corinthians 3:4. It is much easier to suppose that the word is thus used with a certain latitude, as it might be in English, than to force upon it a reference to the glory to be revealed when Christ comes again, and to give the same future reference to "glory" all through this passage. The new covenant is... read more
4. The Ministry of the New Covenant in Contrast with the Old. CHAPTER 3 1. The Epistle of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:1-3 ) 2. The True Sufficiency. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6 ) 3. The Old and New Ministry Contrasted. (2 Corinthians 3:7-11 ) 4. The Glory in the Face of Moses and the Glory in the Face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:12-18 .) It was customary in the church to give letters of commendation (Acts 18:27 ; Romans 16:1 ). Did the Apostle need, as some others, epistles of commendation to the... read more
3:18 {5} 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.(5) Continuing in the allegory of the covering, he compares the Gospel to a glass, which although it is most bright and sparkling, yet it does not dazzle their eyes who look in it, as the Law does, but instead transforms them with its beams, so that they also are partakers of the glory and shining of it, to enlighten others:... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 3:18
18. But we all—Christians, as contrasted with the Jews who have a veil on their hearts, answering to Moses' veil on his face. He does not resume reference to ministers till 2 Corinthians 4:1. with open face—Translate, "with unveiled face" (the veil being removed at conversion): contrasted with "hid" (2 Corinthians 4:1- :). as in a glass—in a mirror, namely, the Gospel which reflects the glory of God and Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 13:12; James 1:23; James 1:25). are changed into... read more