2 Corinthians Chapter 3 - Study Notes NABRE

Study Notes on 2 Corinthians Chapter 3

    - The chapter emphasizes the contrast between the old and new covenants, the glory of the ministry of the Spirit, and the ongoing transformation of believers through the Spirit.

1. Commendation Question (2 Corinthians 3:1):

   - Paul questions the need for self-commendation.

2. Letter on Hearts (2 Corinthians 3:2-3):

   - The Corinthians are described as a letter written on Paul's heart.

   - This letter is known and read by all.

   - Administered by the Spirit of the living God, not in ink but on hearts of flesh.

3. Contrast with Tablets of Stone (2 Corinthians 3:3):

   - The contrast is made between tablets of stone (Old Covenant) and hearts of flesh (New Covenant).

   - The letter of Christ administered by the apostles is written by the Spirit of the living God.

4. Letter of Christ's Administration (2 Corinthians 3:3):

   - The letter of Christ administered by the apostles is written by the Spirit of the living God.

5. Confidence Through Christ (2 Corinthians 3:4):

   - Paul has confidence toward God through Christ.

   - Confidence is not based on self-commendation or letters of recommendation.

6. Apostolic Qualification (2 Corinthians 3:5):

   - The qualification of the apostles comes from God, not themselves.

   - Not based on personal endurance or sufferings.

7. Nature of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6):

   - The new covenant is not a covenant of the letter but of the Spirit.

   - The letter brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

8. Ministers of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6):

   - The apostles are qualified as ministers of the new covenant.

9. Characteristics of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6):

   - The new covenant is not of the letter, gives life, and is of the Spirit.

10. Ministry of Death (2 Corinthians 3:7):

    - The carved-in letters on stone (Ten Commandments) are referred to as the ministry of death.

    - It was glorious but faded.

11. Ministry of Righteousness (2 Corinthians 3:9):

    - The ministry of righteousness is more glorious than the ministry of condemnation.

    - It abounds much more in glory.

12. Glory of the Ministry (2 Corinthians 3:10):

    - The ministry of the righteousness surpasses the glory of what was endowed with glory.

13. Veil Over Moses' Face (2 Corinthians 3:13):

    - Moses put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from looking at the fading glory.

14. Veil's Significance (2 Corinthians 3:14-16):

    - The veil symbolizes a hidden truth in the old covenant.

    - Whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over the hearts of the Israelites.

    - When a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

15. Freedom in the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17):

    - Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

16. Believers' Transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18):

    - Believers, gazing on the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory.

    - The ongoing transformation is from the Lord who is the Spirit.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/3