OUTLINE
2 CORINTHIANS 3
Paul writes about the grace of God and the glory of the new covenant.
I. The Unwritten Grace of God (3:1–6)
A. The Pharisees’ written letters of recommendation (3:1): Boastful Jewish leaders carry about with them long letters of recommendation.
B. The apostle’s living letters of recommendation (3:2–6): Paul has no such need for dead and formal letters, as the transformed lives of his converts literally shout about his effectiveness and God’s grace.
II. The Unveiled Glory of God (3:7–18): Paul contrasts the law of Moses with the gospel of grace, showing the superiority of the latter over the former.
A. The law of Moses (3:7, 9a, 10a, 11a, 13–15)
1. It was accompanied by a fading glory (3:7, 10a).
2. It was temporary (3:11a).
3. It led to death (3:9a).
4. It functioned as a veil, restricting God’s glory (3:13–14a, 15).
5. It prevented Christlikeness in the lives of unsaved Jews and Gentiles (3:14b).
B. The gospel of grace (3:8, 9b, 10b, 11b–12, 16–18)
1. It is accompanied by an unfading glory (3:10b).
2. It is eternal (3:11b).
3. It leads to life (3:8).
4. It functions as a mirror, reflecting God’s glory (3:16–18).
5. It produces Christlikeness in the lives of saved Jews and Gentiles (3:9b).
6. It produces boldness (3:12).
