2 Corinthians 3:1-6 KJV: The Ministry of the New Testament
Do We Begin Again to Commend Ourselves?
2 Corinthians 3:1-6 KJV
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
The Context of the Passage
In this passage, Paul is addressing the issue of boasting and self-commendation. He is asking the Corinthians if he needs to provide letters of commendation to prove his authority and ministry, just like some other apostles do. Paul is highlighting the fact that the Corinthians themselves are his epistle, written in the hearts of the people, and that they are a manifestation of the work of Christ through his ministry.
The Ministry of the New Testament
Paul emphasizes that his ministry is not based on human sufficiency, but on the power and enablement of God. He acknowledges that he is not capable of doing anything on his own, but that his sufficiency comes from God. As a result, Paul is confident in his ministry, knowing that it is not based on his own strength, but on the strength of God.
Furthermore, Paul highlights the difference between the old covenant, which was written on stone tablets, and the new covenant, which is written on the hearts of believers through the Spirit of the living God. The old covenant was based on the letter of the law, which brings death and condemnation, whereas the new covenant is based on the Spirit, which brings life and liberty.
The Significance of the Passage
This passage is significant because it highlights the importance of humility and dependence on God in ministry. Paul is emphasizing that true ministry is not about self-promotion or boasting, but about serving others and glorifying God. Additionally, the passage highlights the significance of the new covenant, which is based on the power of the Holy Spirit, and which brings life and liberty to those who receive it.
Application
- Humility in Ministry: As believers, we should approach ministry with humility, recognizing that our sufficiency comes from God, and not from our own abilities or strengths.
- Dependence on God: We should depend on God's power and enablement in our ministry, rather than relying on our own strength or resources.
- The New Covenant: We should recognize the significance of the new covenant, which is based on the power of the Holy Spirit, and which brings life and liberty to those who receive it.
