The Living Epistle
Paul describes the Corinthians as a letter from Christ (2 Corinthians 3:3), written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. This highlights the personal and relational nature of the new covenant.

The Ministry of the Spirit
The chapter contrasts the old covenant, which was engraved in letters on stone and brought death, with the new covenant of the Spirit, which brings life (2 Corinthians 3:6-7).

The Glory of the New Covenant
Paul explains that the glory of the new covenant surpasses that of the old. The old covenant had glory, but it was fading; the new covenant is permanent and more glorious (2 Corinthians 3:9-11).

Transformation through the Spirit
The chapter concludes with the transformative work of the Spirit, stating, And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).Reflect Christ in Your Life
Consider how your actions and words serve as a letter to those around you. Are you reflecting the love and truth of Christ?

Embrace the Spirit's Work
Acknowledge the Holy Spirit's role in transforming your heart and mind. Seek to be open to His guidance and conviction.

Live in the Freedom of the New Covenant
Understand that you are no longer bound by the law but are free to live in the Spirit. Let this freedom motivate you to pursue holiness and righteousness.

Seek God's Glory
Make it a daily practice to contemplate the Lord’s glory and allow His presence to transform you into His likeness.1. Paul
Paul is the author of the letter and an apostle of Jesus Christ. In this chapter, he speaks about his role as a minister of the new covenant, emphasizing the sufficiency that comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).

2. Moses
Moses is referenced as the mediator of the old covenant. Paul contrasts the glory of Moses' ministry, which was temporary and fading, with the surpassing glory of the new covenant in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:7, 13). The Greek term "Μωϋσῆς" (Mōusēs) is used for Moses.

3. The Spirit
The Holy Spirit is mentioned as the one who gives life and enables the ministry of the new covenant. Paul highlights that the letter of the law kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6, 8, 17-18). The Greek word "Πνεῦμα" (Pneuma) is used for Spirit.

4. The Lord
The Lord, referring to Jesus Christ, is described as the Spirit who brings freedom. Paul explains that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, and believers are being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). The Greek term "Κύριος" (Kyrios) is used for Lord.1. The Heart
The chapter speaks of the "tablets of human hearts" (2 Corinthians 3:3), contrasting the old covenant written on stone with the new covenant written on hearts. The Greek word for heart, "καρδία" (kardia), signifies the center of spiritual life.

2. The Letter and the Spirit
Paul contrasts the "letter" that kills with the "Spirit" that gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6). This refers to the old covenant law versus the new covenant of the Spirit. The Greek word for spirit, "πνεῦμα" (pneuma), emphasizes the life-giving aspect of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Face of Moses
The chapter references the glory on Moses' face when he received the law (2 Corinthians 3:7). This is a metaphorical place of encounter with God, drawing from Exodus 34:29-35.

4. The Veil
Paul discusses the veil that remains over the hearts of those who read the old covenant without turning to Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14-15). The veil symbolizes spiritual blindness or separation from understanding the full glory of God.

5. The Freedom of the Spirit
The chapter concludes with the idea that "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17). This freedom is a spiritual state or place of liberation from the law's condemnation.1. Paul's Defense of His Ministry (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)
Paul begins by addressing the need for commendation, stating, "Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?" . He emphasizes that the Corinthians themselves are his letter, "written on our hearts, known and read by everyone" . This metaphor highlights the transformation in the believers' lives as evidence of his ministry's authenticity.

2. The New Covenant Ministry (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)
Paul contrasts the old covenant with the new, stating, "Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God" . He describes himself as a minister of a new covenant, "not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" . The Greek word for "letter" (γράμμα, gramma) refers to the written law, while "Spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma) signifies the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Glory of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:7-11)
Paul contrasts the glory of the old covenant, which was "engraved in letters on stone" and came with glory, with the surpassing glory of the new covenant. He writes, "If the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?" . The temporary nature of the old covenant's glory is highlighted by the Greek word for "fleeting" (καταργούμενον, katargoumenon), meaning being rendered ineffective or passing away.

4. Boldness in the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:12-13)
Paul speaks of the boldness that comes from the hope in the new covenant, saying, "Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away" . The veil symbolizes the obscured understanding under the old covenant.

5. The Veil Removed in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14-16)
Paul explains that the minds of the Israelites were hardened, and "to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed" . The Greek word for "veil" (κάλυμμα, kalymma) signifies a covering that obscures understanding, which is removed in Christ.

6. Transformation by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
Paul concludes with the transformative power of the Spirit, stating, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" . The Greek word for "transformed" (μεταμορφούμεθα, metamorphoumetha) indicates a profound change in form or nature, reflecting the ongoing spiritual transformation of believers.Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Romans 8:2
For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.

Hebrews 8:6
But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. Thanksgiving for the New Covenant
Thank God for the new covenant established through Jesus Christ and the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit.
Transformation and Reflection
Pray for the Holy Spirit to transform you into the image of Christ and help you reflect His glory to others.
Openness to the Spirit
Ask for a heart that is open and responsive to the leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Boldness in Witness
Pray for the courage to be a living epistle, boldly sharing the message of Christ through your life and testimony.

1. How do the Corinthians serve as a letter of recommendation for Paul?

2. What is the significance of a letter written not with ink but with the Spirit?

3. How does Paul contrast the Old Covenant and the New Covenant?

4. What does the statement "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" mean to you?

5. How can you apply the idea of the "ministry of the Spirit" in your own life?

6. What can we learn from the imagery of Moses’ fading glory versus the everlasting glory of the New Covenant?

7. What does it mean to be competent as ministers of a New Covenant?

8. How is the New Covenant described as more glorious than the Old Covenant?

9. How is the veil metaphor used in this chapter, and what does it represent?

10. How does turning to the Lord remove the veil?

11. How can we experience the freedom that comes from where the Spirit of the Lord is?

12. What does "beholding the glory of the Lord" involve in our daily lives?

13. How are we being transformed "from glory to glory"?

14. In what practical ways can you pursue this transformation into the image of Christ?

15. How does the knowledge that we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another encourage you?

16. How can the principles in this chapter affect your relationship with God and with others?

17. How do the concepts in this chapter shape your understanding of the Christian faith and your personal faith journey?

18. How can you share the glory of the New Covenant with others in your life?

19. How does this chapter inform your understanding of the law and grace?

20. How can we apply the lessons from Paul's comparison of the Old and New Covenants to contemporary Christian life and ministry?