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 you... [ Continue Reading ]
This chapter is closely connected with what goes before, and carries on the vindication of the Apostle's conduct.... [ Continue Reading ]
AGAIN] probably refers to the passages in the severe letter (2 Corinthians 10-13) in which he defended himself and stated his claims to recognition: see especially 2 Corinthians 11:22; 2 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Corinthians 12:16. AS SOME] The Judaising leaders had probably brought letters from Palestine... [ Continue Reading ]
OUR EPISTLE] i.e. of commendation. KNOWN AND READ] better, known and acknowledged: the Church was an unmistakable witness to the Apostle's labours.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Forasmuch as ye are_] omitted in RV. MINISTERED BY US] The Apostle regards himself as the scribe of Christ who wrote Christ's words on their hearts. NOT WITH INK, etc.] In this v. the figure is slightly changed; the writing is now that of the Spirit of God on their own hearts. It is no mere matter... [ Continue Reading ]
SUCH TRUST] i.e. such confidence in you as our letters of commendation. THROUGH CHRIST TO GOD-WARD] my confidence is not in myself, but through Christ in God: i.e. I look to Him for strength and grace through Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO THINK ANY THING AS OF OURSELVES] RV 'To account any thing as from ourselves.'... [ Continue Reading ]
PARAPHRASE. 'All my power in saving men comes from God, who has given me grace to proclaim a new covenant between Himself and His people—a covenant which is not a formal legal system, but an indwelling, spiritual power, for while the old covenant could only condemn the sinner to death owing to his i... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MINISTRATION OF DEATH] i.e. the Law of Moses. ENGRAVEN] Exodus 32:16; Exodus 34:28. THE FACE OF MOSES] The transfiguration of Moses' face (Exodus 34:29) is given as an example of the glory attending the giving of the Law. TO BE DONE AWAY] The fading of the glory typified the transitoriness of th... [ Continue Reading ]
PARAPHRASE. 'Now if the system which could only declare the sentence of death upon sin was glorious (and glorious it was, for at its giving the very face of Moses was transfigured), (8) the system which brings life and inspiration is more glorious still. (9) I repeat, if the Law was glorious, the Go... [ Continue Reading ]
RATHER GLORIOUS] The Gospel was more glorious than the Law because it was a message of forgiveness and not of condemnation, and because it was not a mere legal system, but an inspiring summons.... [ Continue Reading ]
MINISTRATION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS] better, 'of acquittal,' in contrast to 'of condemnation.' The gospel message is one of pardon and reconciliation.... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT EXCELLETH] The glory of the Law is completely eclipsed by that of the Gospel, which offers forgiveness instead of condemnation.... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT WHICH IS DONE AWAY, etc.] another aspect of the truth stated in 2 Corinthians 3:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
PARAPHRASE. 'Since our hopes of the future of the gospel are so great, we speak frankly and boldly. (13) We do not seek to conceal anything as Moses concealed his face with a veil lest the people should see the glory fading from it. (14) Those who looked upon the giving of the Law did not understand... [ Continue Reading ]
In this and the next two vv. we have a good example of St. Paul's habit of blending the allegorical with the historical interpretation of the OT.: see also Galatians 4:22. The reference here is to Exodus 34:33. COULD NOT] RV 'should not.' THE END OF THAT WHICH IS ABOLISHED] i.e. the glory fading fro... [ Continue Reading ]
BLINDED] RV 'hardened.' THE SAME VAIL] Note the quick transition from history to allegory. The veil with which Moses covered his face to keep the Israelites from seeing the glory fading is typical of the spiritual veil which keeps Jews and Judaising Christians from seeing that the Law is transitory.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN MOSES IS READ] i.e. when the Law is read: cp. Acts 15:21.... [ Continue Reading ]
IT] i.e. their heart. The Law is incomprehensible without Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD IS THAT SPIRIT] RV 'The Lord is the Spirit.' Christ is the life-giving Spirit. There is perhaps a reference to 'the ministration of the Spirit' in 2 Corinthians 3:8. The Spirit is Christ's Spirit: cp. Acts 16:7; (RV) Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11. What is meant is that he who turns to Christ sha... [ Continue Reading ]
He who keeps the memory and the example of Christ ever before his mind's eye, and tries to follow Him in his life, will gradually come to show in his own character and life an increasing likeness to his Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]