1 Corinthians chapter 3

vs 10

This language is kind of reminiscent of the language in Hebrews. Which is fair enough, considering that they're both talking about comparisons of the old covenant to the new. Paul wants to make it clear, absolutely clear, that the old covenant is fading away, and that the new one far surpasses it. A comment against some of the judaizing influences in the church?

Of course, it did have glory. But in comparison to the new covenant, it's nothing.

vs 11

The greater covenant has the greater glory. And if this one is meant to last forever (which, in Paul's view, the old one was most certainly not meant to!) then it should be all the more glorious!

vs 12

Again, this is an excellent comparison between the members of the old covenant and the members of the new covenant. Paul says that it is the hope of the new covenant that drives him ever onward in boldness, preaching the joy of that covenant. How many of the members of the old covenant were driven to go and preach it across the world? You can probably think of one (Jonah), and he was driven more from behind.

vs 13

While I'm sure Moses did this for good reason, it does show a shut in and exclusive covenantal agreement that's going on. It's a good symbol for what Paul's trying to say.

vs 14

Because he now says that this attitude of covering the radiance of God has perpetuated beyond Moses' face, and now covered the radiance of the whole covenant! And that is so true of where the Jews were at in the first century. Their ruling religious leaders were not vital and innovative and dynamic - they were pompous and static, unable to accept change that was even prophecied in their own scriptures and by their own high priest.

Paul makes it clear that nothing removes that barrier except Christ. A worthwhile thing to remember in our dealings with Israelis.

vs 15

The veil is over their hearts. They can't see the glory of the everlasting covenant, which is contained within those words! Instead, its radiance is veiled, and all they see is the same old covenant of Moses.

vs 16

This is such a wonderful picture. Now, we might say that when you become a Christian and learn about Christ a bit, a lot of the Old Testament suddenly seems to unlock. But as new Christians from a non-Jewish background, there's really no comparison, because we don't really learn the OT all that much. But if you'd grown up with it, then it would be an enormous revelation to you, like a veil coming off your eyes. You might call it hindsight, or whatever, but the connections are certainly there, any Christian will tell you that.

vs 17

Is Paul talking about a freedom from the bondage of the old covenant? Possibly. I don't even think it would be too much to read this as talking about the renewal of our minds through the Spirit in order to allow us to better understand the new covenant through the old. You could say "Free your mind". Neo.

vs 18

It helps if you read this verse backwards. The Spirit of God, who is God, is transforming us into God's likeness, with ever increasing glory. And as such, we who are being transformed are reflecting that glory in the same way that Moses did - except this time, the glory is out there for all to see, instead of stuck behind a veil.