2 Corinthians 3:7-18
“But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be more rather glorious?”
King James Version
The greater glory of the New Covenant Spirit over the fading glory of the Old Covenant, fulfilled in Christ's ministry.
Fulfillment References
Exodus 34:29-35 Hebrews 8:6 Romans 8:3-4
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalPaul says the veil over Israel's heart is taken away in Christ, and 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty,' for 'the Lord is that Spirit' (vv. 16-18). The Lord — the risen Jesus — and the Spirit are identified: not two, but the one Spirit of God, in Jesus Christ. To turn to the Lord is to receive the Spirit, and beholding His glory we are changed into His image. This is near the heart of the Oneness reading of the Godhead.
JewishDraws on Exodus 34 — Moses' veiled, fading glory after meeting God; the background is the Sinai covenant and its glory.
CatholicThe surpassing glory of the new covenant over the old; transformation 'from glory to glory' by the Spirit, read in Trinitarian terms.
ProtestantThe new covenant's greater glory; the veil removed in Christ, and the Spirit's transforming work conforming believers to Christ's image.
AcademicPaul's midrash on Exodus 34; the identification 'the Lord is the Spirit' (v. 17) is debated — functional, economic, or identifying — and is central to discussion of Paul's pneumatological language.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.