[It is He] Who has qualified us 9making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient) as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter-that is, of legally written code-but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the (Holy) Spirit makes alive.
(Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6).
v.6 Paul realized that being divinely commissioned required being divinely equipped. His equipment to be a minister of a new covenant was given at his Damascus call when he was named a "chosen instrument" of God and filled with his Spirit (Acts 9:15, 17-19). There follows a contrast between two basic characteristics of the old and new covenants. The basis of the old covenant between the Lord and Israel was a lifeless, written code, "the book of the covenant" (Ex. 24:7). The basis of the new covenant between God and the church is a dynamic, pervasive Spirit. The written code (or 'letter") pronounced a sentence of death 9see Rom 7:9-11; Gal 3:10), but the Spirit brings transformation of life (Rom 7:6; 8:3). Though the new covenant was ratified by the shedding of Christ's blood 9Heb 13:20) and is symbolized in the communion cup (Lk 22:20; 1 Cor 11:25), it becomes operative only through the indwelling Spirit who imparts new life. Where "the letter" was powerless, the Spirit is powerful in producing holiness of life, enabling a person fully to meet the righteous requirements of the Law (Rom 8:4). This is what makes the new covenant 'new' and the old covenant (3:14) "old" (see Heb 8:6-13).
[NIV BIBLE COMMENTARY Volume 2: New Testament].
[twiiter.com/SowersOfTheWord]. JESUS IS LORD.
(Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6).
v.6 Paul realized that being divinely commissioned required being divinely equipped. His equipment to be a minister of a new covenant was given at his Damascus call when he was named a "chosen instrument" of God and filled with his Spirit (Acts 9:15, 17-19). There follows a contrast between two basic characteristics of the old and new covenants. The basis of the old covenant between the Lord and Israel was a lifeless, written code, "the book of the covenant" (Ex. 24:7). The basis of the new covenant between God and the church is a dynamic, pervasive Spirit. The written code (or 'letter") pronounced a sentence of death 9see Rom 7:9-11; Gal 3:10), but the Spirit brings transformation of life (Rom 7:6; 8:3). Though the new covenant was ratified by the shedding of Christ's blood 9Heb 13:20) and is symbolized in the communion cup (Lk 22:20; 1 Cor 11:25), it becomes operative only through the indwelling Spirit who imparts new life. Where "the letter" was powerless, the Spirit is powerful in producing holiness of life, enabling a person fully to meet the righteous requirements of the Law (Rom 8:4). This is what makes the new covenant 'new' and the old covenant (3:14) "old" (see Heb 8:6-13).
[NIV BIBLE COMMENTARY Volume 2: New Testament].
[twiiter.com/SowersOfTheWord]. JESUS IS LORD.
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