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2 Corinthians 3 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The Corinthians, like many today, wanted written proof of Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle. Like a certification or degree, letters of commendation would have authenticated the status of a leader of God. They were often used to introduce a person in early first-century churches. It is speculated that false teachers would make their rounds with forged letters in order to weasel their way into church leadership. Theirs may have said, “I have been sent by Paul, so you should support me.”
Paul’s point is that letters mean nothing compared to changed lives. The churches Paul had planted were the real letters of commendation which validated his ministry.
“Today, the best analogy might be a certificate of ordination. Many people think that a certificate of ordination means that you have the credentials of ministry. While there is an important purpose in a public ordination to ministry, a piece of paper in itself never is a proper credential. The true credentials of the ministry are changed lives, living epistles. Keep your paper to yourself; show us the changed lives from your ministry!”
David Guzik
Paul takes this analogy a step further when comparing the law to the Spirit. The law of Moses contained words engraved on stone tablets. At the time it was given, the glory of God was on full display. There were earthquakes, thunder, lightning, a resounding blast from heaven, and the mighty voice of God. If this was the result of the law (which cannot save) then how much greater is the work of the Spirit? As Paul writes, “The system which brings condemnation (the law) was glorious; how much more glorious is the activity which brings Salvation!”
Just like the letters of commendation should not be the primary validation of our spiritual life, the law itself should not be the measuring stick for following Jesus. Just like Paul’s churches substantiated his ministry, we will know true believers today by the fruits of the Spirit. Paul has given practical advice on how we can evaluate the fruitfulness of an individual. Every great pastor I know does not go around claiming to be a great pastor. The fruit of their ministry will speak for itself. This should be true of every believer today as we all have a ministry of some kind.