12 Since we have such a hope, (A)we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, (B)who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But (C)their minds were (D)hardened. For to this day, (E)when they read (F)the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when (G)one[a] turns to the Lord, (H)the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord[b] is the Spirit, and where (I)the Spirit of the Lord is, there is (J)freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, (K)beholding (L)the glory of the Lord,[c] (M)are being transformed into the same image (N)from one degree of glory to another.[d] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 3:16 Greek he
  2. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Or this Lord
  3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Or reflecting the glory of the Lord
  4. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Greek from glory to glory

12 Therefore, since we have such a hope,(A) we are very bold.(B) 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face(C) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull,(D) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant(E) is read.(F) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,(G) the veil is taken away.(H) 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit,(I) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.(J) 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a](K) the Lord’s glory,(L) are being transformed into his image(M) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Or reflect

The Light of the Gospel

Therefore, having (A)this ministry (B)by the mercy of God,[a] we do not lose heart. But we have renounced (C)disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice[b] cunning or (D)to tamper with God's word, but (E)by the open statement of the truth (F)we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. And even (G)if our gospel is veiled, (H)it is veiled to (I)those who are perishing. In their case (J)the god of this world (K)has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing (L)the light of (M)the gospel of the glory of Christ, (N)who is the image of God. For what (O)we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with (P)ourselves as your servants[c] for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, (Q)“Let light shine out of darkness,” (R)has shone in our hearts to give (S)the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 Greek having this ministry as we have received mercy
  2. 2 Corinthians 4:2 Greek to walk in
  3. 2 Corinthians 4:5 Or slaves (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

Therefore, since through God’s mercy(A) we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.(B) Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;(C) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.(D) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience(E) in the sight of God. And even if our gospel(F) is veiled,(G) it is veiled to those who are perishing.(H) The god(I) of this age(J) has blinded(K) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,(L) who is the image of God.(M) For what we preach is not ourselves,(N) but Jesus Christ as Lord,(O) and ourselves as your servants(P) for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a](Q) made his light shine in our hearts(R) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.(S)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 4:6 Gen. 1:3