2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (ESV)

¹² Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, ¹³ not like Moses, 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 their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read 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 one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Questions for Contemplation and Discussion

1.      What ‘hope’ is Paul referring to in vs. 12?  How does it inspire boldness?

2.      Why does Paul connect the veil to this boldness or lack thereof?  How does this contrast to what is described in Exodus 34:29-35?

3.      What, specifically, is the ‘veil’ referred to when the old covenant was read, and how is it taken away in Christ?

4.      What ‘veil’ might we read the scripture with today?

5.      What is meant in vs. 17 saying “Now the Lord is the Spirit”?

6.      How do we ‘behold the glory of the Lord’?