How does Paul describe the Mosaic Covenant of the Law?
v7 __________________________________
ministry of death, engraved on stones, glory that was fading
v9 __________________________________
ministry of condemnation
v11 __________________________________
that which fades away
How does Paul compare Christianity to the Mosaic system (Judaism)?
v8 __________________________________
how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?
v9 __________________________________
the ministry of rightesousness exceeds in much glory
v10 __________________________________
the glory that surpasses
v11 __________________________________
much more that which remains is in glory
Paul works to show that the new covenant is clearly greater than the old, but Paul is not attempting to deny the
validity, purpose, or glory of the old. In the early church, there were a number of conflicts in working out
the relationship between the Old and New Covenants; some wanted to live within the Old (see Galatians esp.),
others went so far as to deny that it was ever valid (e.g. a heretic named Marcion).
The guess held by most folks is that Corinth is under the influence of some 'Judiazers', people who are attempting to tie
salvation to the keeping of the Mosaic Law. 2 Corinthians shows this conflict in the current section, as well as in Paul's
comparison of himself to the 'false apostles' who are attempting to claim leadership in Corinth (and to convince the Corinthians
to disregard Paul). A few cross references worth reading on this 'fight' between Paul and the Judiazers:
2 Cor 11:21b,22
2 Cor 11:13,14
Gal. 3:1-5
Gal. 1:6-9
Paul argues that those who still hold on to the Mosaic are deceived, having a 'veil' over their hearts. (v15)
Then he says of those who have accepted Christ that :
- there is ________________ (v17)
Liberty
- _______________________ (v18)
behold with unveiled faces, are transformed into the same image