What does 2 Corinthians 3:18 mean?

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But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Explanation

The verse 2 Corinthians 3:18 presents a spiritual transformation process described by Paul the Apostle. In this verse, “open face” suggests transparency and lack of hindrance when it comes to perceiving spiritual truths. “Beholding as in a glass” refers to looking into a mirror, but it implies more than a superficial glance; it suggests a contemplative gaze. The “glory of the Lord” represents the divine nature and character of God. The phrase “changed into the same image from glory to glory” indicates a transformation of believers into a more divine likeness. This change is described as progressive (“from glory to glory”) and is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit within individuals.

Paul’s metaphor combines the contemplation of God’s glory with the resulting transformation of the believer, suggesting a continuous and increasingly deeper understanding and embodiment of Godly attributes as one walks the spiritual path.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter authored by Paul the Apostle to the Christian community in Corinth. This epistle was written around 55-57 AD. At this time, the early church was still defining its doctrines and practices. Paul often wrote to churches to address problems, offer guidance, and clarify theological points.

The specific context of this verse is within a discussion of the ministry of the new covenant in Christ, contrasting it with the old covenant, as represented by the laws given to Moses. Whereas Moses had to wear a veil to shield the Israelites from the transient glory of God reflected in his face, Christians are presented as having direct access to the divine presence, with no need for a veil, leading to the transformative experience described.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in varying ways:

From a Protestant perspective, the verse is often seen as describing the process of sanctification, whereby a believer is progressively conformed to the image of Christ through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Catholic theology might place this transformation within the context of theosis or divinization, emphasizing the gradual process of becoming partakers of the divine nature through grace and the sacraments.
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Eastern Orthodox Christians may understand this verse in terms of theosis as well, but with a particular focus on the experiential knowledge of God, which is made possible through practices like prayer and participation in the divine liturgy.

Regardless of the viewpoint, the common thread is that this transformation is a divine initiative, facilitated by the Spirit of God, and is not achievable by human effort alone.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to live with transparency before God, allowing His Spirit to work in their lives continuously. It suggests being introspective, much like gazing into a mirror, and being open to spiritual matureness. Christians may apply this by spending time in prayer, studying scripture, and seeking to embody Christ-like qualities in their daily lives. The process implies growth and change, which can be comforting in times of spiritual struggle.

Cross-References

Romans 8:29 – “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
1 John 3:2 – “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
James 1:23-24 – “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”
Matthew 5:48 – “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, “beholding” translates to “katoptrizomenoi,” which is derived from “katoptrizo,” meaning to mirror oneself or to see reflected. This word choice emphasizes reflection and contemplation.

“Changed” is from the Greek “metamorphoumetha,” the root of which is “metamorphoo,” meaning to transform or transfigure. This term suggests a profound transformation, much like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.

The phrase “from glory to glory” uses the word “doxa,” which is often translated as glory, but can include notions of honor, praise, or the manifest brightness of God. The repetition of “doxa” underscores the concept of continuous progression.

The word “Spirit” correlates to “Pneumatos,” which in Christian theology denotes the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity who is the agent of transformation and sanctification.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman culture of Paul’s time, mirrors were made of polished metal and required careful examination to see a clear reflection. The act of beholding one’s reflection conveys an attentiveness that would have been understood in this cultural context.

Religiously, the concept of transforming into a divine likeness can have parallels in other traditions. In Hinduism, for instance, devotees seek to become one with the divine through practices like yoga and meditation. In Buddhism, the transformation lies in the attainment of enlightenment and the realization of one’s Buddha-nature.

Scientific Perspectives

The process described in 2 Corinthians 3:18 may be likened to psychological concepts of personal growth and self-actualization. While the verse speaks of a spiritual transformation through divine means, psychology often addresses the transformation of the self towards its fullest potential. There is some overlap in the idea that reflection and contemplation lead to growth, a concept supported by various therapeutic practices.

In terms of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt might offer a scientific parallel to the concept of spiritual transformation, albeit from a materialistic perspective.

Commentaries

Commentators offer diverse perspectives on this verse. For instance:

Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the transformative power of the Christian gospel and the progressive nature of Christian sanctification.
John Calvin highlights the role of faith and the contemplation of God’s glory in the believer’s transformation.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary discusses the contrast between the veiled experience of God in the Old Testament and the unveiled, fully disclosed relationship that Christians have with God through Christ.

These varying insights illuminate the text’s richness and the different aspects a believer may draw from when seeking to understand and apply the message of transformation presented in this verse.