In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta explores Paul’s bold claim that his ministry as an apostle is more glorious than the ministry of Moses. By comparing the Old and New Covenants, Paul shows that spiritual transformation doesn’t come from the Law but from the work of the Holy Spirit.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

• Why Paul says the law kills, but the Spirit gives life.
• The symbolic meaning of Moses’ veil and how it relates to hardened hearts.
• How the Spirit removes the veil and brings true transformation.
• The contrast between external obedience and inward change.
• What it means to be transformed from “glory to glory.”

By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the glory of the gospel and how God is at work transforming hearts. Whether you’re teaching the Bible or seeking personal encouragement, this passage is a reminder that real change comes from God’s Spirit, not from our own efforts.

Why Paul’s Ministry Outshines Moses (2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

Paul continues defending his apostleship by highlighting the source and impact of his work. He isn’t exalting himself but clarifying that the power behind his ministry comes from God and that power brings real transformation.

Three Unifying Themes

1 – Paul is not the source of the gospel’s power.

• Paul emphasizes that he is not adequate in himself to produce the powerful results that follow his ministry.
• Any sufficiency or effectiveness in his ministry comes from God, not from personal strength.
• He is merely a weak vessel, while God is the one producing results through him.
• 2 Corinthians 2:15-16; 2 Corinthians 3:2-6; 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

2 – Paul speaks and acts with integrity and boldness.

• Paul does not peddle the gospel for personal gain but speaks with sincerity as someone commissioned by God.
• Paul speaks openly and plainly, believing that the gospel should be presented without manipulation or deceit.
• 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 3:12-13; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

3 – The gospel (and therefore Paul’s ministry) brings spiritual transformation, something the Law couldn’t do.

• The gospel leads to life, not death.
• The gospel transforms people from the inside out by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Background: Exodus 34:27-35

• Whenever Moses stood before God, receiving God’s commands, his face was uncovered. He would then come out and tell Israel what God had commanded, and they would see that Moses face shone from having been in the presence of God.
• The word glory has several different associations which are important in this passage. Glory can refer to a literal, bright, glorious light. Glory can have a metaphorical meaning: something that has glory is attractive, wonderful, worthy of admiration.
• When Moses’ face glows with the glory of God, the light testifies to the fact that Moses has been with God. It’s a sign that Moses is speaking the truth and this message is from God.
• This veil on Moses’ face is an accommodation of the fact that the glory of God is too much for the people to handle. They are afraid.

Paul’s Ministry Outshines Moses’ Ministry

If the Law, which cannot save us from death, came with glory, then the gospel, which promises life-giving transformation through the spirit, must come with even more glory.

• The law commands from the outside; only the Spirit can work internally to transform someone’s desires and will.
• The Law is a “ministry of death” because it cannot remove human rebellion or change the heart.
• Only the gospel produces lasting spiritual change.
• With the Spirit of God at work in us, we (like Moses) have direct access to God, no veil, and that glory is being imparted to us.
• Our sin no longer separates us from God. Thanks to Jesus, it is as if we were standing directly before God and having His glory imparted to us just the way Moses did.

Key Takeaways

• Paul’s ministry is not effective because of who he is, but because of the power of God.
• The New Covenant brings life because it involves the Spirit writing God’s law on human hearts.
• Christians must find the balance between compassion and courage when sharing the gospel—they must care how people receive it but must never change the message.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation. Next: 06 Why Paul Did Not Lose Heart and What We Can Learn From Him (2 Corinthians 4) Previous: 04 What’s New About the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:1-6) Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church Hurts Resources to help you study: 2 Corinthians

Photo by the author

Podcast season 26, episode 5