Message: Revelation Chapter 1

 https://pathwaytopurityandpower.podbean.com/e/the-king-revealed-an-introduction-to-revelation/

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 3: 1-18

 

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: King James Version

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 3: 1-18

Text:

3 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 but their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?”

Both questions in this verse anticipate a negative response. Paul does not inherently dismiss letters of commendation; however, it appears that his adversaries had presented the Corinthian church with misleading letters of commendation, letters whose bearers were undeserving. Paul asserts that his letter is significantly superior, as it is composed of the very lives of the Corinthian believers.

Verse 2: “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:”

The Corinthians hold an enduring place in his affections. Paul is asserting to the Corinthians that, as a congregation, they serve as an effective letter of recommendation on his behalf.

Verse 3: “forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

The efficacy of any ministry is proven not by a human letter of recommendation, but by the evidence of transformed lives being the epistles written upon the fleshy tablets of the heart.

Verse 4: “And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:”

Paul's authentic ministry is confirmed by the Corinthians, who serve as living "letters of recommendation." His conviction rests not on his own ability, but "through Christ" before God.

Verse 5: “not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”

A central theme in 2 Corinthians is that "Our sufficiency is of God." Any capacity or power exercised in ministry is derived from God, not from our own strength.

Verse 6: “who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

We are properly understood as ministers of the new covenant, not merely "of the new testament." This establishes a direct contrast between the old covenant (the Old Testament) and the new covenant (the New Testament), a distinction made in several ways. Specifically, the text contrasts "the letter" with "the spirit." The Law, which is part of the Old Testament and was written on tablets of stone, represents "the letter" that condemns. It serves to kill because its adherence shows us to be guilty sinners. The Mosaic Law itself cannot impart life. Conversely, "the spirit giveth life," highlighting that the new covenant's focus is not on the condemning letter of the Law, but on the life-giving spirit.

Verse 7: “But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:”

The old covenant, the Law, constituted a ministration of death. Its description as being written and engraved on stones clearly references the Ten Commandments. It “was glorious.” It represents the will of God and is inherently good, even though it serves to condemn the individual. There is no fault to be found with the Law itself; the deficiency lies within the person, as the Law reveals one's sinfulness. "So that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away." This glory upon Moses' face was subject to gradual dissipation.

Verse 8: “ how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?”

The new covenant surpasses the old by operating with greater power, superior beauty, and deep inwardness. This greater power is the Holy Spirit, providing transformative efficacy and spiritual vitality for genuine obedience and a dynamic relationship with God—something the old covenant lacked. The beauty is a spiritual radiance and moral glory, seen in its Mediator's perfection, ethical purity, and astonishing grace. It replaces the old covenant's focus on justice and judgment with mercy, forgiveness, and love, revealing a superior divine wisdom. The radical inwardness means the covenant's tenets are written on the heart and mind, not on stone. This shifts the focus from external ritual to an inner, willing conformity, establishing a personal communion that fosters obedience out of love, not obligation.

Verse 9: “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.”

The Christian life begins with justification, the gracious legal declaration that imputes righteousness to the believer. Following this initial act, sanctification is the progressive, ongoing process of a believer's growth in righteous thoughts, words, and deeds. While this growth is accomplished by grace through faith, it also necessitates conscious effort, including study and prayer.

Verse 10: “For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.”

The divine grace and mercy, manifested through Jesus Christ, provide for a new heart, the forgiveness of sins and the granting of eternal life in glory. Consequently, the exceeding splendor of the gospel exceeds the glory of the legal dispensation, i.e. the Old Covenant.

Verse 11: “For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”

Most of The Mosaic Law, designated as "that which is done away," is no longer in effect. The apostle emphasizes the surpassing glory of the permanent new covenant, drawing a distinction between the era of the Law's inception and the present period of grace.

Verse 12: “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:”

The hope of the new covenant, with its unfading glory, is the source of the apostle's boldness. This "great plainness of speech" signifies Paul's complete confidence and lack of shame in publicly proclaiming the excellent gospel. His fearless, straightforward manner, so apparent in this letter, contrasts sharply with the deceitful, self-serving nature of his critics, proving he is bold and not wavering as they claimed.

Verse 13: “and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:”

The traditional view is that Moses wore a veil to prevent the Israelites from being harmed or scared by the intense brightness. However, a more probable reason is that the veil hid the fact that the glory was diminishing, reflecting the temporary and insufficient nature of the old covenant. In stark contrast, Paul's ministry under the new covenant requires no veil, as its glory is enduring and does not fade.

Verse 14: “but their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.”

Even today, Paul says, many Jewish people struggle to perceive the true nature and intent of the Mosaic covenant, failing to recognize its inherent temporary status. This blindness is not merely a misunderstanding, but a profound inability to grasp that the very glory associated with that covenant—the magnificent, albeit terrifying, display of God's presence on Mount Sinai and the spiritual authority it conveyed—was designed to fade. Paul emphasizes that this original brilliance, while undeniable and awe-inspiring, was merely preparatory, intended to lead to the superior and eternal glory of the new covenant established through Christ. Their adherence to the letter of the Law, without seeing its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, keeps a metaphorical veil over their hearts and minds, preventing them from seeing that the true and lasting glory is found not in the transient dispensation of the Law, but in the enduring Spirit that brings life and freedom. The enduring tragedy, as Paul presents it, is the persistent belief that the glory of the old covenant is permanent, thus obscuring the transcendent and liberating clarity of the new.

Verse 15: “But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.”

The metaphor Paul uses is fluid; the veil shifts from covering Moses' face to covering the people's hearts. Despite this change, the result remains constant: they are unable to perceive that the former covenant is fading.

Verse 16: “Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.”

The removal of the "vail" occurs when the heart is directed toward the Lord Jesus Christ. The foundational issue confronting humanity is a spiritual affliction of the heart, which manifests as a blindness induced by sin. Upon an individual's willingness to repent of sin and receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, "the vail shall be taken away."

Verse 17: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

The Holy Spirit is essential for understanding that Christ is the one and only Savior. He alone can remove the spiritual barrier ("lift the veil") that prevents this realization. The Spirit of God leads to freedom, not to bondage under the law. He liberates you from the law's demands and brings you directly to Christ.

Verse 18: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

This is a remarkable passage of Scripture. Paul discusses how a veil covers the heart, which is removed when we turn to Christ. Even as believers, however, our spiritual sight can be veiled by sin. When sin is confessed and we are in fellowship with Him, we can look to the Lord. The passage states that we, with an "open face" or unveiled face, are "beholding... as in a mirror the glory of the Lord." The key idea is not that we reflect His glory in order to be transformed (as some translations suggest), but rather that the act of beholding leads to transformation. Once transformed, we are then able to reflect His image.

Eternal Security in Christ

 

Eternal Security in Christ

Scripture

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” — John 10:28

Personal Reflection

The security of the believer rests not in his own strength, but in the preserving power of Christ. Left to ourselves, we would surely fall. Our faith would falter, our resolve would weaken, and our hearts would wander. Yet the promise of Christ is clear and absolute—those who belong to Him shall never perish.

This assurance is not grounded in human effort, but in divine sovereignty. Christ does not merely offer salvation; He secures it. He does not simply receive His sheep; He keeps them. The hand that was pierced for our redemption now holds us with unbreakable grip.

In times of failure, doubt, or spiritual weakness, this truth becomes especially precious. The believer’s hope is not that he will hold on to Christ, but that Christ will hold on to him. This does not produce carelessness—it produces gratitude, humility, and perseverance.

Contemplation

John Owen wrote, “Our perseverance is not from ourselves, but from the power of God.”
Are you trusting in your consistency—or in Christ’s faithfulness?

Prayer

Lord, help me rest in Your preserving grace, knowing that my security is in You alone.

Application

When you feel spiritually weak, remind yourself: “Christ is holding me—even now.”

No More Tears

 

No More Tears

Scripture

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” — Revelation 21:4

Personal Reflection

Every believer knows the language of tears. Some are visible, flowing freely in moments of grief; others are hidden deep within the soul, known only to God. Tears speak of loss, pain, disappointment, and longing. Yet the promise of Scripture is not merely that tears will cease, but that God Himself will wipe them away.

This is a deeply personal act. The God who ordained all things also tenderly ministers to His people. He does not dismiss their sorrow—He removes it. The storms of this life, though real and often severe, are not permanent. There is coming a day when every cause of grief will be forever eliminated.

This promise is not meant to minimize present suffering, but to magnify future glory. The believer does not deny pain; he endures it with hope. Every tear shed in faith is not wasted—it is remembered, and it will be answered in eternity with perfect joy.

Contemplation

Thomas Watson wrote, “God will wipe away all tears, but not till we have shed them.”
Do you bring your sorrow honestly before God—or do you attempt to carry it alone?

Prayer

Lord, remind me that every sorrow I endure is temporary, and every tear will one day be wiped away by Your hand.

Application

When sorrow arises, consciously entrust it to God, reminding yourself of His promise of complete restoration.

The Certainty of God’s Promise

 

The Certainty of God’s Promise

Scripture

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” — Titus 1:2

Personal Reflection

The storms of life often shake not only our circumstances but our confidence. When trials persist, when prayers seem delayed, and when outcomes remain unclear, the heart is tempted to question the reliability of God’s promises. Yet Scripture anchors us in an unshakable truth—God cannot lie. His promises are not subject to change, revision, or failure. They are rooted in His immutable nature.

This means that every word God has spoken concerning your salvation, your preservation, and your eternal hope stands firm regardless of what you feel or see. Faith does not rest upon emotional assurance or favorable conditions, but upon the unchanging character of God. When everything around you appears uncertain, His Word remains certain.

The believer must learn to live not by interpretation of events, but by trust in revelation. The storm may rage, but God’s promise does not tremble. His covenant is sure, His purposes are fixed, and His Word is eternally settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89).

Contemplation

John Calvin wrote, “The firmness of our faith depends upon the certainty of the promises of God.”
Are you interpreting God’s promises through your circumstances—or your circumstances through God’s promises?

Prayer

Lord, establish my heart upon the certainty of Your Word, not the instability of my circumstances.

Application

Identify one promise of God today and consciously rest in it, especially when doubts arise.

Eternal Rest

 

Eternal Rest

Scripture

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” — Hebrews 4:9

Personal Reflection

Life in this fallen world is marked by toil, weariness, and striving. Even the believer, though redeemed, experiences the burden of a fallen body and a hostile world. Yet God has promised rest—perfect, unbroken, eternal rest.

This rest is not mere inactivity, but the full enjoyment of God without hindrance. No sin, no sorrow, no struggle will remain. The believer’s journey through the storm ends in the harbor of divine rest.

Even now, the believer tastes this rest in Christ. “Come unto me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Yet the fullness of that rest awaits eternity.

Contemplation

Thomas Boston wrote, “Heaven is a state of uninterrupted rest in God.”
Are you striving in your own strength—or resting in Christ?

Prayer

Lord, teach me to rest in You now as I await eternal rest.

Application

Take moments today to cease striving and consciously rest in God through prayer.

Seeing Christ Face to Face

 

Seeing Christ Face to Face

Scripture

“We shall see him as he is.” — 1 John 3:2

Personal Reflection

The greatest promise given to the believer is not merely deliverance from suffering, but direct, unbroken fellowship with Christ Himself. One day, faith will give way to sight. No longer will we know Him through the veil of weakness and limitation—we shall see Him as He is.

This truth transforms the believer’s affections. To see Christ is the culmination of redemption. Every longing of the soul finds its fulfillment in Him. The storm loses its power when the soul is captivated by the certainty of seeing Christ face to face.

Moreover, this hope purifies. As the Apostle writes, “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself” (1 John 3:3). The anticipation of seeing Christ produces holiness in the present.

Contemplation

Richard Baxter wrote, “To see Christ is the greatest happiness of the soul.”
Do you long for Christ—or merely for relief from trouble?

Prayer

Lord, increase my desire for You above all else.

Application

Spend time today meditating on Christ’s person—His glory, His love, His sacrifice.