Trinity/After Pentecost · The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
2 Corinthians 3:4-11
Ministers of a New Covenant
August 23, 2026
Overview & Insights
"who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6)
Paul says his confidence comes through Christ toward God, who has made him and his fellow workers competent as ministers of a new covenant of the Spirit rather than the letter. He contrasts the fading glory that shone on Moses' face with the far greater and lasting glory of the ministry of righteousness.
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Commentary
Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Corinthians Chapter 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the new covenant of the Spirit and the surpassing glory.
2 Corinthians 3:4 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the letter that kills and the Spirit that gives life in one place.
2 Corinthians 3 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies and cross references worked verse by verse through the new covenant contrast.
2 Corinthians 3, Expository Notes StudyLight
Thomas Constable's expository notes on the ministry of the Spirit and the fading and lasting glory.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: 2 Corinthians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the occasion and argument of Paul's second letter to Corinth.
Book of 2 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of 2 Corinthians that frames Paul's defense of his new covenant ministry.
2 Corinthians 3:4 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing for competence, the new covenant, the letter, and the Spirit.
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