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The Father's Heart

Bible Study: “The Surpassing Glory of the New Covenant” 2 Corinthians 3:7-11

  • Writer: David Campbell Jr.
    David Campbell Jr.
  • Oct 29
  • 3 min read

📖 Passage

2 Corinthians 3:7–11 (CSB)

7 Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside,8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?9 For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings righteousness overflows with even more glory.10 In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it.11 For if what was set aside was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.

🧩 Section Breakdown

I. The Glory of the Old Covenant (v.7)

“The ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones…”

Meaning:Paul refers to the Mosaic Covenant, written on stone tablets — the Law. Though it was glorious (because it came from God), it ultimately resulted in death because humanity could not keep it perfectly (cf. Rom. 7:10–11).

Key Imagery:

  • Moses’ shining face (Exodus 34:29–35) — a visible sign of God’s glory.

  • Yet, this glory faded, symbolizing the temporary nature of the Old Covenant.

Greek Word Focus:

  • διακονία τοῦ θανάτου (diakonia tou thanatou) — “ministry of death”; speaks of the law’s condemning power.

  • ἐν γράμμασιν ἐντετυπωμένη λίθοις — “engraved in letters on stones”; emphasizes the external, written, and rigid nature of the Law.

II. The Greater Glory of the New Covenant (v.8–9)

“How will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?...”

Contrast:Paul introduces the New Covenant, characterized by the Spirit and righteousness instead of death and condemnation.

Parallel Contrast:

Old Covenant

New Covenant

Law written on stone

Law written on hearts (v.3)

Ministry of death

Ministry of the Spirit

Condemnation

Righteousness

Fading glory

Surpassing glory

Greek Word Focus:

  • διακονία τοῦ πνεύματος (diakonia tou pneumatos) — “ministry of the Spirit”; life-giving and transformative.

  • διακονία τῆς δικαιοσύνης (diakonia tēs dikaiosynēs) — “ministry of righteousness”; leads to right standing before God through Christ.

Theological Insight:The Spirit mediates a new kind of glory — not external or temporary, but internal and permanent.(cf. Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:26–27; Rom. 8:1–4)

III. The Surpassing Glory (v.10–11)

“What had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison…”

Meaning:Paul emphasizes that the Old Covenant’s glory pales next to the surpassing glory of the New. The comparison isn’t of value but of intensity and permanence.

Key Greek Terms:

  • ὑπερβάλλουσα δόξα (hyperballousa doxa) — “surpassing glory”; denotes overwhelming, excelling brightness.

  • καταργέω (katargeō) — “set aside” or “rendered inactive”; referring to the fading/temporary nature of the Old Covenant.

  • μένον (menon) — “that which remains/endures”; the enduring, eternal glory of the New Covenant.

Cross References:

  • Hebrews 8:6–13 – The new covenant is founded on better promises.

  • Romans 8:2 – The Spirit of life sets believers free from the law of sin and death.

  • John 1:17 – “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

🕊️ Theological Summary

Paul argues that while the Law was glorious because it revealed God’s holiness, it ultimately condemned humanity and faded in glory.In contrast, the New Covenant — mediated by the Spirit through Christ — brings righteousness, life, and lasting glory.

This isn’t just a difference in degree; it’s a difference in kind. The glory of the gospel surpasses and replaces the old because it reveals God’s presence within believers, not merely around them.

🔍 Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul mean by “the ministry that brought death”?

  2. How does the “ministry of the Spirit” bring life and righteousness?

  3. In what ways do you see the “surpassing glory” of Christ in your life?

  4. Why is the New Covenant described as enduring while the Old was set aside?

📜 Application

  • Live by the Spirit: The same Spirit who wrote God’s law on hearts empowers believers to live it out.

  • Reflect His Glory: As Paul will later say (v.18), we are transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit.

  • Celebrate the Gospel: The surpassing glory of grace should produce confidence, joy, and worship.


 
 
 

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