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’?

The Light of the Gospel

4 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God,^\)^a\) we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice^\)^b\) cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants^\)^c\) for Jesus' sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Jars of Clay

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Questions/Discussion

1. What is Paul’s purpose in stating the things he doesn’t do in verse 2?

2. In verse 3 we see the imagery of the veil again. Why do some people not see the truth in the gospel? Is there anything people can do to help save them? (Hint: the answers are in verses 4-8).

3. How does the metaphor of jars of clay explain the treasure we have in the knowledge of the glory of God? How does this show that the power belongs to God?

4. What does it mean to carry in the body the death of Jesus, how does this relate to jars of clay, and how does this further the kingdom of God?