2 Corinthians 3:2

ἡ ἐπιστολὴ ἡμῶν κ. τ. λ.: ye are our epistle. They are his credentials. Cf. 1 Corinthians 9:2, where he tells them that they are the “seal” of his apostleship. Note the emphasis laid on ἐπιστολή by its position in the sentence. ἐγγεγραμμένη ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν : written in our hearts, i.e., in the heart of me, Paul (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:3); a somewhat unexpected, and, as it were, parenthetic application of the metaphor, suggested by the memory of his labours among them which had left an indelible impression upon his heart. γινωσκ. καὶ ἀναγινωσκ. κ. τ. λ.: known and read of all men. This is the legitimate application of the metaphor, and is expanded in the next verse. The letter written on St. Paul's heart was not open to the world; but the letter written on the heart of the Corinthians by Christ through St. Paul's ministry was patent to the world's observation, as it was reflected in their Christian mode of life. Facts speak louder than words. For the jingle γινωσκομένη … ἀναγινωσκομένη cf. Acts 8:30, γινώσκεις ἂ ἀναγινώσκεις, and see the note on 2 Corinthians 1:13 above.