2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 Corinthians 3:6 ministers. Whereas “apostle” refers to Paul’s authoritative office, “minister” (or “servant”) refers to how he carries out his work. He can share this role with non-apostles (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 3:5). Here “minister” refers to Paul’s role of mediating the Spirit as promised in the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:25). the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Compare Romans 2:29 and Romans 7:6, the other two NT occurrences of this contrast. The letter kills since it announces God’s will without granting the power to keep it. This brings people under God’s judgment as covenant breakers. The Spirit alone gives life because only the Spirit can change the heart, enabling God’s people to keep his commands.

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