Epiphany Season · Transfiguration Sunday · Year C
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
The Glory of the New Covenant
February 23, 2028
Overview & Insights
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
In contrast to the death that the law brings because of the people’s inability to obey, Paul affirms that the Spirit gives life. According to Ezekiel, the life-giving Spirit is the central feature of the prophetic expectation of the restoration from exile. After the people have been punished and purged and brought again through the wilderness in a “new exodus,” they will be given a new Spirit that will reanimate the nation dead in its trespasses and sins (cf. Ezek. 11:19; 18:31; 36:26). The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37:1–14 portrays the exiles as bones into which God breathes his Spirit in order to reconstitute the nation of Israel on a new basis in the land (cf. 37:15–28). Hence, as S. Hafemann correctly observes, “The startling implication of 2 Cor.
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Commentary
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Working Preacher
The Lutheran home commentary picturing the church transfigured face to face into Christ's image.
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical study of the veil removed and being transformed into Christ's image.
2 Corinthians Commentaries and Sermons Precept Austin
A gateway to inductive word studies and cross references across 2 Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 3:12 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on Moses' veil and the ministry of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:12 Verse-by-Verse Commentary StudyLight
A large library of expositors stacked verse by verse for a further voice on the passage.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the veil Paul speaks of?
Where Moses veiled his fading glory, the new covenant is open-faced: in Christ the veil is lifted, and those who behold the Lord's glory are changed into his likeness by the Spirit.
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