What does 2 Corinthians 3:6 mean?

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Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

Explanation

2 Corinthians 3:6 deals with the contrast between the old covenant, represented by the Mosaic Law, and the new covenant, embodied in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul talks about being made an able minister of the new testament or covenant. He emphasizes that their ministry is not based on the literal adherence to the letter of the law (the old testament) but rather on the Spirit. The “letter” refers to the written code of the Law, which by itself cannot bring life or justify a person before God. It points out sin and brings condemnation. On the other hand, the “spirit” symbolizes the new testament brought by Christ and administered by the Holy Spirit, which provides life and righteousness.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the Church in Corinth, a city known for its cultural diversity and moral laxity. During Paul’s time, there was a distinction between Hellenistic and Judaic ideals. The new converts to Christianity came from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This set up a tension between those who wanted to maintain adherence to the Mosaic Law and others who believed in the freedom offered through faith in Christ. Paul sought to affirm the legitimacy of his apostleship and address the issues facing the Corinthian church, including conflicts and misunderstandings about Christian doctrine and practice.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse encapsulates central Christian notions of law, grace, and the role of the Holy Spirit. The verse suggests that strict adherence to the law (the letter) lacks the power to transform the human heart and gives death because it exposes human sin without providing the means for redemption. In contrast, the “spirit” represents the new covenant established through Christ’s sacrificial death and provides the ability to live righteously before God. It is a move from the external to the internal, from prohibition to transformation.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to focus on the internalization of God’s principles through the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than just external adherence to rules. It invites Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them in all areas of life, producing fruits of righteousness that are pleasing to God. The verse calls for a life motivated by love, powered by grace, and lived out in the freedom from the condemnation of sin, which the Spirit provides.

Cross-References

Romans 2:29: “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Romans 7:6: “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”
Ezekiel 36:26-27: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
Jeremiah 31:31-33: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah […] I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Language Study

“Ministers” (διάκονος, diakonos) in the original Greek can mean servants or attendants, indicating those who serve God and others. “New testament” (καινὴ διαθήκη, kainē diathēkē) represents the new covenant, highlighting its freshness and distinction from the old. “Letter” (γράμμα, gramma) refers to written characters, suggesting the literal written laws of the Old Testament. “Spirit” (πνεῦμα, pneuma) often refers to the Holy Spirit or the essence of God’s presence and power. The phrase “the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” contrasts the outcome of focusing on the mere literal observance of law versus the dynamic and transformative work of the Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other religions and cultural systems of the time, Judaism stressed the importance of following the Mosaic Law. Many ancient religions had complex systems of rites and rituals. Christianity, as explained in this verse, introduced a paradigm shift by emphasizing a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit rather than through ritual observance and external adherence to the law, setting it apart from both paganism and traditional Judaism.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse engages more with spiritual and metaphysical principles than scientific ones. However, the mention of “spirit” may intersect with modern psychological understandings of the human psyche and consciousness. While “spirit” in the biblical context refers to a divine aspect, psychology might see parallels in the concept of a life-giving principle within individuals that drives them towards growth, morality, and deeper meaning.

Commentaries

Various experts and commentaries focus on the theological shift from the old to the new covenant as articulated in this verse. They often discuss Paul’s defense of his ministry against those who accused him of being inadequate. Many highlight that Paul contrasts not the law itself, but the use of the law without the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. It is generally agreed that while the law has a divine origin and purpose, under the new covenant, the emphasis is on the internal transformation brought about by the Spirit, leading to a life that fulfills the righteous requirements of the law through love and faith.