2 Corinthians chapter 3

Short chapters so far.

vs 1

To base a whole doctrine of letters of commendation on this verse is extremely shaky and irresponsible! I don't think Paul is praising this idea. I think he's slamming it. I think Paul is saying that letters of commendation are superfluous. Certainly they are for Paul, if no one else. It sounds like the Corinthians were trying to regulate who could come to their church through letters. Now, it's sort of understandable, what with the church being in a persecuted state, but it sounds more like they're trying to put themselves in a position of authority through choosiness.

vs 2

Paul feels that since he planted the church, he is really commended to it by that fact. But more than that, he feels that this will stand him in good stead with other churches too. Which is certainly a more positive comment than would be expected in 1 Corinthians.

vs 3

Paul is actually praising them here, saying that they are a better commendation than any letter, because they are from Christ, a result of his ministry. But remember, he is also saying to them that he shouldn't need to commend himself to them, beacuse he planted their church.

vs 4

And so Paul has his confidence and recommendation from God and Christ, rather than from a church, or even his ministry.

vs 5

Paul relies entirely on God, even for that which commends him - his ministry in churches like Corinth. Because even the competence in his ministry comes from God.

vs 6

The point being here, people, that the new covenant is one if Spirit, not of laws - laws like requiring letters of commendation! I mean, come on! This shows such a malaise in the Brethren movement if we are still struggling with problems so obviously stupid.

vs 7

Paul is not saying that the old covenantal way of things was not glorious. It came from God, so of course it was.

vs 8

But the fact is that the ministry directly of God's Spirit is going to be more glorious. Paul will tell us why tomorrow.