2 Corinthians 3:1

CHAPTER III.

The apostle shows, in opposition to his detractors, that the

faith and salvation of the Corinthians were sufficient

testimony of his Divine mission; that he needed no letters of

recommendation, the Christian converts at Corinth being a

manifest proof that he was an apostle of Christ, 1-3.

He extols the Christian ministry, as being infinitely more

excellent than that of Moses, 4-12.

Compares the different modes of announcing the truth under the

law and under the Gospel: in the former it was obscurely

delivered; and the veil of darkness, typified by the veil which

Moses wore, is still on the hearts of the Jews; but when they

turn to Christ this veil shall be taken away, 13-16.

On the contrary, the Gospel dispensation is spiritual; leads to

the nearest views of heavenly things; and those who receive it

are changed into the glorious likeness of God by the agency of

his Spirit, 17, 18.

NOTES ON CHAP. III.

Verse 2 Corinthians 3:1. Do we begin again to commend ourselves] By speaking thus of our sincerity, Divine mission, c., is it with a design to conciliate your esteem, or ingratiate ourselves in your affections? By no means.

Or need we - epistles of commendation] Are we so destitute of ministerial abilities and Divine influence that we need, in order to be received in different Churches, to have letters of recommendation? Certainly not. God causes us to triumph through Christ in every place and your conversion is such an evident seal to our ministry as leaves no doubt that God is with us.

Letters of commendation] Were frequent in the primitive Church; and were also in use in the apostolic Church, as we learn from this place. But these were, in all probability, not used by the apostles; their helpers, successors, and those who had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, needed such letters and they were necessary to prevent the Churches from being imposed on by false teachers. But when apostles came, they brought their own testimonials, the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit.