2 Corinthians 3:4-5
Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse doesn't just talk about confidence in general, but specifically highlights the source of that confidence: it's "through Christ." Our boldness toward God isn't something we conjure up ourselves; it's a gift we receive because of Jesus' work on our behalf, making our access to God secure and certain.
Paul is contrasting the new covenant in Christ with the old covenant symbolized by Moses' veiled face. He's emphasizing the incredible freedom and confidence believers now have to approach God directly, not through a mediator or fading glory, but through the life-giving Spirit Christ brings. This confidence is the direct result of God's work in transforming us, making us adequate ministers of this new reality.
Ever feel like you have to earn God's approval? Paul wants to shatter that idea. Our confidence isn't built on our own strengths, but on something far greater.
Paul starts this thought by contrasting the 'ministry of condemnation' (referring to the old covenant and the law's inability to save) with the 'ministry of righteousness' that he and others share in Christ.
Confidence in Service
Our confidence isn't about being perfect or always getting things right. It's about the source of our standing with God. Because we are united with Christ, our acceptance isn't based on our performance, but on His finished work. This frees us to serve God boldly, not out of obligation or fear, but out of gratitude and love.
Paul's ministry was far from easy. Yet, he speaks with incredible assurance. What fuels this unwavering boldness in the face of opposition?
The context of 2 Corinthians 3 is Paul defending his apostolic authority against critics. He contrasts the fading glory of Moses' ministry under the old covenant with the enduring glory of the new covenant ministry in Christ.
A New Covenant Reality
Our confidence, then, isn't just personal assurance; it's a confidence that empowers us to boldly proclaim the gospel. It’s the confidence that comes from knowing we are ministers of a superior covenant, empowered by the Spirit, and reconciled to God through Christ’s sacrifice. This allows us to speak God's truth without fear, knowing our ultimate standing is secure in Him.
Understand the original words
pepoithēsis · Greek Noun
A firm persuasion or boldness of speech rooted in faith. It signifies the apostle’s ability to approach God and speak the gospel with assurance, not because of personal merit, but because of one's standing in Christ.
hikanotēs · Greek Noun
A state of being competent, adequate, or capable. In theology, it refers to the complete lack of human ability to perform spiritual work, contrasted with the total reliance on God's grace and empowerment for ministry.
This passage echoes the idea of having access to God through Christ, emphasizing that our confidence comes from Him providing that direct pathway.
Hebrews 4:16It highlights the boldness and confidence believers can have in approaching God's throne of grace, directly linking this assurance to Jesus' high priestly work.
Romans 5:1-2This speaks to the peace and confidence we gain from being justified by faith in Jesus, giving us access to God's presence and the hope we share.
1 John 4:17This verse shows how love perfected in us leads to confidence on the day of judgment, a confidence that originates from God's love poured into us through Christ.
This verse doesn't just talk about confidence in general, but specifically highlights the source of that confidence: it's "through Christ." Our boldness toward God isn't something we conjure up ourselves; it's a gift we receive because of Jesus' work on our behalf, making our access to God secure and certain.
Paul is contrasting the new covenant in Christ with the old covenant symbolized by Moses' veiled face. He's emphasizing the incredible freedom and confidence believers now have to approach God directly, not through a mediator or fading glory, but through the life-giving Spirit Christ brings. This confidence is the direct result of God's work in transforming us, making us adequate ministers of this new reality.
Paul is contrasting the new covenant in Christ with the old covenant symbolized by Moses' veiled face. He's emphasizing the incredible freedom and confidence believers now have to approach God directly, not through a mediator or fading glory, but through the life-giving Spirit Christ brings. This confidence is the direct result of God's work in transforming us, making us adequate ministers of this new reality.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 is available in the Sola app.
"Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God," — This verse doesn't just talk about confidence in general, but specifically highlights the source of that confidence: it's "through Christ." Our boldness toward God isn't something we conjure up o…
