Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged. 2 Rather, we have renounced shameful, hidden things; not acting deceitfully or falsifying the word of God, but by the open declaration of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even though our gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. 6 For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of [Jesus] Christ.
In the preceding chapters of Second Corinthians, Paul contrasted the ministries of the New Covenant instituted by Christ and the Old Covenant instituted by Moses. They are two significant theological covenants with distinct characteristics and implications for the relationship between God and humanity.
The Old Covenant was established between God and the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai. The Law, given to and mediated by Moses, includes the Ten Commandments and a comprehensive set of rules covering moral conduct, civil justice, and ceremonial practices. It focused on strict adherence to these Mosaic laws and required animal sacrifices for atonement and purification, foreshadowing the final sacrifice made by Christ.
The New Covenant, instituted by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection, offers salvation as an unmerited gift of God’s grace which extends forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe, without the continual need for sacrificial atonement. Unlike the Old Covenant, which was conditional, ceremonial, and exclusive to Israel, the New Covenant provides a permanent, internal transformation through the Holy Spirit, accessible to all people. Jesus Christ, as the perfect mediator, fulfills and surpasses the role of Moses, with His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ensuring complete and eternal redemption for believers.
Paul tells the Corinthians that he does not puff up himself or pretend he is without sin and encourages them to completely renounce those things of which they are now ashamed. The apostolic ministry of the New Covenant is a gift through God’s mercy and the Corinthians should persevere regardless of challenges they may face. The truth of the Gospel must be fully and openly preached omitting nothing. Paul emphasizes that he is honest and transparent in proclaiming the Gospel, setting himself apart from those who distort the Word of God for deceitful gains. Paul appeals to their moral conscience which he reminds them is always under the watchful eye of God. Those who believe can discern the truth of the Gospel because of its illuminating power. Paul explains that the Gospel is only hidden from those who are spiritually lost because Satan (the god of this age) has blinded unbelievers from recognizing the truth of Christ who embodies the very essence and image of God.
Ministers should not give themselves prominence when they proclaim the Gospel but preach Jesus Christ as Lord (Rom 10:9). They should not serve for personal gain but for the spiritual benefit of others. Just as God physically created light at creation, He spiritually illuminates the hearts of believers, revealing His glory through the face of Christ.
Almighty God, grant us the grace to embrace the ministry of the New Covenant with unwavering faith and integrity. Help us to not lose heart, but to boldly proclaim the light of your Gospel. May the light of Christ shine through us, illuminating the hearts of those who do not yet know you. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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