2 Corinthians 3:12-13
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This verse doesn't just say we have hope; it emphasizes "such a hope" – a hope so immense and assured that it naturally births boldness. It’s not about mustering courage, but about an inherent confidence that flows from the incredible reality of who God is and what He's done for us.
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)
Paul is contrasting the temporary glory of the Old Covenant with the enduring glory of the New Covenant through Christ. He's just explained how the fading glory of Moses' face showed the temporary nature of that covenant, making it clear that his ministry brings a freedom and permanence that the old system couldn't. This verse then explains the direct result of this incredible realization: a profound boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
Ever felt hesitant to share your faith or stand up for what's right? This verse points to a powerful reason why we don't have to be afraid.
Paul connects our hope directly to our boldness. It's not just wishful thinking; biblical hope is a confident expectation rooted in God's promises and His faithfulness. Because Paul and the Corinthians have this divine hope – the certainty of God's ongoing work and future glory – they can speak and act with immense courage, unhindered by fear of opposition or failure. This hope fuels a boldness that isn't arrogant, but assured.
What is this 'such hope' Paul is referring to? It's not just any old hope; it's deeply tied to what came just before this verse.
To understand the boldness, we need to look at the preceding verses. Paul has been contrasting the old covenant of the law, which brings condemnation and has a fading glory, with the new covenant in Christ. This new covenant, empowered by the Spirit, brings righteousness and a glory that lasts and increases. The 'such hope' Paul mentions is the incredible reality of living under this magnificent, Spirit-filled new covenant, knowing we are ambassadors for God and His glory is being revealed through us.
Understand the original words
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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.
The 'boldness' Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 3:12 stems directly from the immense relief and reconciliation he experienced after a period of deep conflict and a painful 'severe letter' sent to the Corinthian church. Their repentance, confirmed by Titus, allowed Paul to write with joy and confidence.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth to address divisions and doctrinal issues. This letter reveals deep problems within the community.
c. AD 57
Paul's Painful Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult and sorrowful visit to Corinth, likely dealing with the ongoing issues and facing opposition. This experience deeply affects him.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes the 'Severe Letter'
Following the painful visit, Paul writes a letter that is now lost to history, known as the 'severe letter.' It addresses severe sin and opposition he faced in Corinth.
c. AD 57
Titus Delivers the 'Severe Letter'
Titus is sent to Corinth with the severe letter, carrying Paul's stern message and the painful fallout from his visit. The outcome of this letter is uncertain at first.
c. AD 57— this verse
Titus Reports Good News
Titus returns to Paul with encouraging news: the Corinthian church has repented and the opposition has subsided. This brings Paul immense relief and joy.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes Second Corinthians
Buoyed by Titus's report, Paul writes Second Corinthians as a letter of reconciliation and restoration. He defends his apostleship and expresses his deep affection for the church.
This passage echoes the boldness mentioned in 2 Corinthians, encouraging believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence and receive mercy.
Ephesians 3:12It highlights the 'freedom and access' we have through faith in Christ, which fuels the boldness that Paul speaks of in his ministry.
1 John 4:17This verse connects the idea of love perfecting our love with boldness in the day of judgment, showing how a right relationship with God leads to confidence.
Acts 4:31After facing threats, the apostles prayed for boldness to continue speaking God's word, demonstrating the practical outworking of their hope in Christ.
This verse doesn't just say we have hope; it emphasizes "such a hope" – a hope so immense and assured that it naturally births boldness. It’s not about mustering courage, but about an inherent confidence that flows from the incredible reality of who God is and what He's done for us.
Paul is contrasting the temporary glory of the Old Covenant with the enduring glory of the New Covenant through Christ. He's just explained how the fading glory of Moses' face showed the temporary nature of that covenant, making it clear that his ministry brings a freedom and permanence that the old system couldn't. This verse then explains the direct result of this incredible realization: a profound boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
Paul is contrasting the temporary glory of the Old Covenant with the enduring glory of the New Covenant through Christ. He's just explained how the fading glory of Moses' face showed the temporary nature of that covenant, making it clear that his ministry brings a freedom and permanence that the old system couldn't. This verse then explains the direct result of this incredible realization: a profound boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
"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." — This verse doesn't just say we have hope; it emphasizes "such a hope" – a hope so immense and assured that it naturally births boldness. It’s not about mustering courage, but about an inherent conf…
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Last reviewed October 2026
