1 + 2 Corinthians | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

2 CORINTHIANS 3

GOD PROVIDES ACCESS + TRANSFORMATION TO BELIEVERS

Paul responds to the Corinthians who ask for letters of recommendations from the messengers of the Gospel. Paul does not have a need to prove his credibility and credentials. Because Paul founded the church in Corinth, he tells the people that they themselves are his letter of recommendation, written by the Holy Spirit.

Paul shares that the believers are ministers of the New Covenant and called to share the news of Jesus. Comparing the Old Covenant (The Old Testament Law or Law of Moses) with the New Covenant (The Gospel or Message of Jesus), Paul explains that all confidence should be placed in Jesus, not in one’s ability to keep the law.

Paul explains that the Holy Spirit has even more glory than the Ten Commandments given to Moses. The new way that Jesus introduced was greater than any law or ritual. Instead of following a law written on a stone tablet, the believers of Jesus had a new commandment written in their heart—to love God and love others (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26).

When the Israelites worshiped in the Tabernacle and the temple, there was a veil that separated the people from the innermost section that contained God’s presence (Exodus 36). After the crucifixion of Jesus, the temple veil miraculously ripped, symbolizing humanity’s access to God through the sacrifice of Christ (Mark 15:37-38). Paul explains that a veil covers the hearts of non-believers, but for those who turn towards God, the veil is removed.

Paul writes that God’s Spirit brings freedom and allows believers to behold the glory of God. Knowing the life-changing power of Christ, Paul states that his followers are being transformed from one degree of glory to another.

STUDY QUESTIONS

The people of Corinth asked Paul for his credentials as a messenger of the gospel. How did Paul respond in 2 Corinthians 3:1-4?

In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, what is the significance of the veil (see Exodus 36 + Mark 15:37-38)?