2 Corinthians 3:6

Paraphrase. 'All my power in saving men comes from God, who has given me grace to proclaim a new covenant between Himself and His people—a covenant which is not a formal legal system, but an indwelling, spiritual power, for while the old covenant could only condemn the sinner to death owing to his inability to perform its demands, the new covenant inspires to faith and life.'

Sufficiency] i.e. ability. The new testament] not the book, but, as RV, 'a new covenant'—a new arrangement made by God for man's welfare to which he must submit himself. The letter killeth, etc.] The Law sets up an external standard, which, because we are unable to attain to it, puts us out of heart and makes us despair of success; the Gospel of Christ proclaiming pardon, and bringing us under Christ's influence, calls forth our faith and love, and inspires us ever upward and onward: cp. Romans 7:8. The spirit is contrasted with the letter. It means the inward inspiring power of the Gospel.

(c) ii. 3:7-4:6. The Glory of the Gospel

The mention of the new covenant suggests a contrast between it and the old. The Gospel is more glorious than the Law, for it is not a lifeless Law but a life-giving Spirit. Therefore its apostles are eager to proclaim it to all. Those who cling to the Law are blind to the truth. But those who receive the Gospel are changed into the likeness of Christ.