2 Corinthians 3:12-13
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The real power here isn't just having hope, but recognizing its boldness-producing quality. Paul doesn't just say "we have hope, so we're hopeful"; he connects the hope directly to the courage to speak and live differently, even in difficult circumstances. It's a hope so certain it fuels audacious living.
Paul is contrasting the glorious ministry of the new covenant in Christ with the fading glory of the old covenant through Moses. He's just explained how the Law, though holy, leads to death, and how Moses veiled his face because its glory was temporary. This new hope in Christ, therefore, empowers him and others to speak with immense boldness, not with a veil, but with open faces reflecting God's glory.
Ever feel timid or hesitant to speak up? Paul connects our hope directly to our boldness. Let's see how.
Paul's argument in 2 Corinthians is powerful. He's contrasting the old covenant with the new covenant in Christ. The old covenant, with its emphasis on law and its temporary glory, often led to a sense of inferiority or shame. But now, because believers have such a hope – the sure promise of new life, restored relationship with God, and eternal presence – they can be "very bold." This isn't a reckless, arrogant boldness, but a confident, steady courage rooted in the finished work of Christ and the indwelling Spirit. This hope isn't wishful thinking; it's a certainty based on God's faithfulness.
Paul often highlights the radical difference between the old way and the new way in Christ. What does this verse reveal about that shift?
The context leading up to this verse is crucial. Paul has been discussing the ministry of the old covenant (represented by Moses and the fading glory of his face) and the new covenant in Christ. The old covenant had a glory, but it was temporary and pointed towards judgment for sin. The new covenant, empowered by the Holy Spirit, brings righteousness and a glory that lasts and transforms. Because believers now live under this superior, Spirit-empowered covenant, their ministry and their message carry a weight and confidence that the old covenant could not. This 'hope' is the bedrock of our new identity and purpose.
Understand the original words
elpis · Greek Noun
The confident expectation of future good based on God's promises. It is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance rooted in the character and faithfulness of God.
parrēsia · Greek Noun
Openness, frankness, or lack of fear in speech and conduct. In the New Testament, it often refers to the confidence a believer has to speak or approach God because of the work of Christ.
kalymma · Greek Noun
A cloth used to cover or conceal. Metaphorically, it represents the obscurity, lack of understanding, or spiritual blindness that prevents someone from seeing the fullness of God's truth.
This passage echoes the boldness mentioned in 2 Corinthians, highlighting how we can approach God's throne of grace with confidence because of Jesus.
Acts 4:29Here, the apostles pray for boldness to speak God's word in the face of persecution, mirroring the courageous spirit that arises from a divine hope.
Ephesians 3:12This verse directly connects our confidence and access to God through faith in Christ, reinforcing the foundation of the bold hope Paul speaks of.
1 John 4:17This passage speaks of perfect love casting out fear, showing how a secure relationship with God, much like the hope in 2 Corinthians, enables boldness on the day of judgment.
The real power here isn't just having hope, but recognizing its boldness-producing quality. Paul doesn't just say "we have hope, so we're hopeful"; he connects the hope directly to the courage to speak and live differently, even in difficult circumstances. It's a hope so certain it fuels audacious living.
Paul is contrasting the glorious ministry of the new covenant in Christ with the fading glory of the old covenant through Moses. He's just explained how the Law, though holy, leads to death, and how Moses veiled his face because its glory was temporary. This new hope in Christ, therefore, empowers him and others to speak with immense boldness, not with a veil, but with open faces reflecting God's glory.
Paul is contrasting the glorious ministry of the new covenant in Christ with the fading glory of the old covenant through Moses. He's just explained how the Law, though holy, leads to death, and how Moses veiled his face because its glory was temporary. This new hope in Christ, therefore, empowers him and others to speak with immense boldness, not with a veil, but with open faces reflecting God's glory.
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"Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end." — The real power here isn't just having hope, but recognizing its boldness-producing quality. Paul doesn't just say "we have hope, so we're hopeful"; he connects the hope directly to the courage…
