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:
Read it in contextThe surpassing glory
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 3:7 (2 Corinthians 3:7 to 2 Corinthians 3:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The comparison with Moses explains the greater glory of the ministry of the Spirit and the transformation associated with turning to the Lord.
3:7But 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:
3:8How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
3:9For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
3:10For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
3:11For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
3:12Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
3:13And 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:
3:14But 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.
3:15But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
3:16Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
3:17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
3:18But 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.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The surpassing glory. Read 2 Corinthians 3:7 through 2 Corinthians 3:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The comparison with Moses explains the greater glory of the ministry of the Spirit and the transformation associated with turning to the Lord. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The surpassing glory (2 Corinthians 3:7 to 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 3:7. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
Connection to the wholePaul points to the Corinthians themselves as evidence of ministry and identifies God as the source of sufficiency for the new covenant service.
Connection to the wholeThe comparison with Moses explains the greater glory of the ministry of the Spirit and the transformation associated with turning to the Lord.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.