And this meeting is so magnificent that the congregation begins to reflect the glory of her Lord. In the gospel the congregation meets her glorious King. The gospel is “the gospel of the glory of Christ” (cf. After all, he is the radiance of God’s glory (cf. The glory of God goes out to the congregation in Jesus Christ. But this splendor is only the consequence of meeting with her Lord who is the Lord of glory (cf. That is how it is also in the congregation of the new covenant. The radiance of Moses’ face was only a reflection of the glory of the Lord, the result of meeting with God. Where did Moses get that radiant face? Was it his own achievement? Did it come from within himself? Exodus 34 gives us a clear answer. Young and old, office-bearers and members of the congregation, they all reflect a heavenly glory - a glory that is not hidden under a veil, but which shines forth so that it can be seen. In the old covenant it was only Moses’ face that shone, but in the new covenant all the believers reflect the glory of the Lord. Whoever considers the Old Testament to be far superior to the New Testament situation, does not understand the progress of God’s work in Christ. This glory was so strong and awe-inspiring that the Israelites could not stand it. A heavenly radiance gave Moses’ face a supernatural glory. But when he came out to tell Israel what the LORD had commanded, he put a veil over his face. Moses spoke with the LORD face-to-face in the tent of meeting. In this context the apostle writes those beautiful words of our text, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory.” Here Paul very clearly reminds us, as he does repeatedly in this chapter, of what we read in Exodus 34. Lk 22:20), there is freedom, permanent glory and boldness. Whereas the old covenant was characterized by fear, fading glory, and the covering with a veil, in the new covenant in which the congregation may live on the basis of the shedding of Christ’s blood (cf. Paul’s ministry comes with greater glory, for it is the ministry of the Spirit who makes alive and gives freedom. Those who think that the apostle does not measure up to Moses, the great servant of the old covenant, are mistaken. Paul calls himself a minister of the new covenant and his apostleship a ministry of the Spirit in glory. ( AA) On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, ( AB) as those sent from God.In 2 Corinthians 3 the apostle Paul defends his apostolic ministry of Jesus Christ over against the critical questions voiced in the congregation at Corinth. And who is equal to such a task? ( Z) 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. ( X) 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death ( Y) to the other, an aroma that brings life. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma ( W) of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ( S)ġ4 But thanks be to God, ( T) who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma ( U) of the knowledge ( V) of him everywhere. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia. ( M) Ministers of the New Covenantġ2 Now when I went to Troas ( N) to preach the gospel of Christ ( O) and found that the Lord had opened a door ( P) for me, 13 I still had no peace of mind, ( Q) because I did not find my brother Titus ( R) there. And what I have forgiven-if there was anything to forgive-I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan ( L) might not outwit us. ( K) 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. 9 Another reason I wrote you ( J) was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, ( I) so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 6 The punishment ( H) inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Forgiveness for the Offenderĥ If anyone has caused grief, ( G) he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent-not to put it too severely. 4 For I wrote you ( F) out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. I had confidence ( E) in all of you, that you would all share my joy. ( A) 2 For if I grieve you, ( B) who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, ( C) so that when I came I would not be distressed ( D) by those who should have made me rejoice. 2 1 So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |