What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:13? We are not like Moses 2 Corinthians 3:13 opens with Paul contrasting his ministry to Moses’. • Moses represented the old covenant written on stone (2 Corinthians 3:7). • Paul’s ministry proclaims the new covenant written on believers’ hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3). • Because the gospel grants unveiled access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-20), Paul can speak openly, with no need to hide glory or truth. who would put a veil over his face Exodus 34:29-35 recounts how Moses covered his shining face after speaking with the LORD. • The veil was literal, shielding Israel from the brilliance produced by God’s presence. • Spiritually, it pictured the separation sin creates between holy God and fallen people (Isaiah 59:2). • Paul’s readers are reminded that, through Christ, “whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16). to keep the Israelites from gazing Moses’ veil limited what Israel could see. • Their limited vision anticipated their limited understanding; hearts remained dull (2 Corinthians 3:14). • By contrast, the gospel invites believers to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) and behold God’s glory without restriction (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Paul therefore refuses any concealment of truth, choosing plain, forthright proclamation (2 Corinthians 4:2). at the end The phrase points to a conclusion—both of Moses’ radiant face and of the covenant he represented. • Christ is “the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). • The law’s purpose reaches fulfillment in Him; its temporary glory gives way to a permanent one (Matthew 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:11). • Paul preaches the unveiled gospel so listeners can see that glorious climax. of what was fading away Moses’ glory diminished; the old covenant was never meant to be permanent. • Hebrews 8:13 affirms that the first covenant was “obsolete and aging,” ready to disappear. • Paul contrasts fading glory with the ever-increasing glory believers experience in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Because the Spirit imparts lasting transformation (Ezekiel 36:26-27), Paul’s ministry remains open and confident. summary Paul uses Moses’ veiled face to highlight the vast superiority of the new covenant. Moses hid a glory that was temporary; Paul unveils a glory that is eternal in Christ. The veil is gone, access is granted, and believers can gaze freely on God’s unending glory and be changed by it. |
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