2 Corinthians 3:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.

NIV: Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.

NASB: But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts;

CSB: Yet still today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts,

NLT: Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

KJV: But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

NKJV: But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.

Paul has written that Israel's minds were hardened to the glory of God because of their own sinfulness. They could not, would not, receive His glory. Now Paul adds that the veil created by their own sin remains in place. This is true of the Israelites, who were opposing him, but Paul makes it clear that it is true of all who have not yet trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of their sin.

Paul had experienced what he was describing. He had been a highly regarded Pharisee in Israel. He had read every word of Moses' writing. He'd likely memorized a great deal of it. However, the veil of misunderstanding had remained over his own heart, until his sins were forgiven through faith in Christ and that veil was removed. Then, for the first time despite all his years of study and teaching, he could finally see and understand the glory of God in Christ.

Second Corinthians 3:7–18 contains Paul's comparison of the glory of God revealed in two covenants. The first is the Old Covenant with Israel, second is the far greater glory revealed in the new covenant of God's grace through faith in Christ. The glory of the Old Covenant is fading just as it did on Moses' face after he had been with God. Those who come to God through faith in Christ are forgiven for their sins and able to look on God's glory. The veil of unbelief must be removed by the Spirit through Christ. Those who see Him begin to become like Him.

Second Corinthians 3 begins with Paul's insistence that Christ's presence in the hearts of the Corinthians should be all the evidence they need that his ministry is true. He compares the limited glory revealed by the Old Covenant between God and Israel with the far greater glory revealed by Christ to all who come to Him by faith. That glory is revealed only when the veil of unbelief is removed through Christ by the Holy Spirit's power. Those who see God's glory in Christ begin to be changed to become like Him.

Earlier chapters described the Corinthians' response to Paul's earlier instructions. Here, Paul once again defends the legitimacy of his role as an apostle of Christ. He then compares the old covenant of the law of Moses with the new covenant of faith in Christ. The old covenant revealed human sinfulness, God's condemnation, and the death required to pay for sin. The new covenant brings God's forgiveness for sin to all who trust in Christ, making it possible to look on His glory and to begin to be changed by it into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This launches Paul into a description of the value of the gospel, in contrast to the struggles of earthly life.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Accessed 5/6/2024 11:51:56 AM