FocusSufficiency from God
Connection to the wholePaul points to the Corinthians themselves as evidence of ministry and identifies God as the source of sufficiency for the new covenant service.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 3:6
KJVWho also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Read it in context
The church as a letter
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 3:1 (2 Corinthians 3:1 to 2 Corinthians 3:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul points to the Corinthians themselves as evidence of ministry and identifies God as the source of sufficiency for the new covenant service.
- 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
- 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
- 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
- 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
- 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
- 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The church as a letter. Read 2 Corinthians 3:1 through 2 Corinthians 3:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul points to the Corinthians themselves as evidence of ministry and identifies God as the source of sufficiency for the new covenant service. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The church as a letter (2 Corinthians 3:1 to 2 Corinthians 3:6). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- hath 2 Cor 5:18-20 Matt 13:52 Rom 1:5 1 Cor 3:5,10 1 Cor 12:28 Eph 3:7 Eph 4:11-12 Col 1:25-29
- the new 2 Cor 3:14 Jer 31:31 Matt 26:28 Mark 14:24 Luke 22:20 1 Cor 11:25 Heb 7:22 Heb 8:6-10
- not Rom 2:27-29 Rom 7:6
- for 2 Cor 3:7,9 Deut 27:26 Rom 3:20 Rom 4:15 Rom 7:9-11 Gal 3:10-12,21
- but the John 6:63 Rom 8:2 1 John 1:1
- giveth life John 5:21 Rom 4:17 1 Cor 15:45 Eph 2:1,5 1 Pet 3:18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 3
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
The surpassing glory
2 Corinthians 3:7–18FocusThe veil removed in Christ
Connection to the wholeThe comparison with Moses explains the greater glory of the ministry of the Spirit and the transformation associated with turning to the Lord.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.