2 Corinthians 3
Galatians 3 is a chapter in which Paul explains to the believers in Galatia the essence of the law and faith, using Abraham as an example to emphasize what the core of faith is. The chapter is roughly divided into the following flow:
- Early part: Rebuke and questions - Paul asks why they received the Holy Spirit, whether it was because of works of the law or because of faith, reminding them of the foundation of their faith.
- Middle part: The example of Abraham - He mentions Abraham, who was declared righteous by faith, and explains that those who are people of faith are also blessed in the same way.
- Later part: The role of the law and the promise of the gospel - By clarifying why the law was given and the difference between the promise and the law, the focus ultimately turns to a place of grace where everyone becomes one in Christ.
1verseAre we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as do some, letters of commendation to you or from you?
2verseYou are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men,
3versebeing revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh.
4verseSuch confidence we have through Christ toward God,
5versenot that we are sufficient of ourselves to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God,
6versewho also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
7verseBut if the service of death, written engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly on the face of Moses for the glory of his face, which was passing away,
8versewon’t service of the Spirit be with much more glory?
9verseFor if the service of condemnation has glory, the service of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
10verseFor most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses.
11verseFor if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.
12verseHaving therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,
13verseand not as Moses, who put a veil on his face so that the children of Israel wouldn’t look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away.
14verseBut their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away.
15verseBut to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.
16verseBut whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
17verseNow the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18verseBut we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Key Message and Overall Meaning
In this chapter, Paul clearly distinguishes between works of the law and faith. By emphasizing that Abraham received God’s promise by faith before the law and was made righteous, Paul stresses that what God desires is not external observance, but “faith.” He also explains that the law has the role of revealing human sin and leading people to Christ. In conclusion, Paul proclaims that in Jesus Christ, both Gentiles and Jews, men and women, slaves and free people all become one—becoming Abraham’s descendants, that is, heirs of the promise.
Points for Reflection
- What standard am I using to live my faith? I reflect on whether I am bound by deeds and rules.
- Like the example of Abraham, the ancestor of faith, I reflect on whether I have an attitude of trusting God’s promise purely.
- I think about how the meaning of the gospel—breaking down every barrier and becoming one in Christ—comes into focus for my own perspective.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- When I translate faith into action in my life, I check whether I am not merely following the law, but living by trusting in God’s promise.
- To build a community without discrimination in Christ, I look for small practices that I can do around me.
- I make a concrete plan for how to apply Paul’s message to the life of today.
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