This passage, like Romans 7, addresses our subject. Paul compares the New Covenant with the Old Covenant. He refers to the latter as the “letters on stone,” as given through Moses. Those were the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandment covenant was engraved (Exodus 34:28; 1 Kings 8:9). The first time when Moses’ face shone was when he received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35). With this brief background, consider what is said of the two covenants.
- As in Romans 7, death marks the Old Covenant. It is “the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone” (2 Corinthians 3:7).
- Paul also calls it the “ministry of condemnation” (2 Corinthians 3:9).
- That old ministry came with glory, but its glory faded away (2 Corinthians 3:7, 9, 11).
By comparison, the New Covenant is described quite differently.
- Paul considers himself a servant of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6).
- The new system is “the ministry of the Spirit” who “gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6, 8).
- This new covenant is the “ministry of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 3:9).
- This new ministry is far more glorious (2 Corinthians 3:9, 10, 11).
- This new ministry “is permanent” (2 Corinthians 3:11).