2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6

GOD’S WORD Translation

¹² Since we have confidence ⌞in the new promise⌟, we speak very boldly. ¹³ We are not like Moses. He kept covering his face with a veil. He didn’t want the people of Israel to see the glory fading away. ¹⁴ However, their minds became closed. In fact, to this day the same veil is still there when they read the Old Testament. It isn’t removed, because only Christ can remove it. ¹⁵ Yet, even today, when they read the books of Moses, a veil covers their minds. ¹⁶ But whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

¹⁷ This Lord is the Spirit. Wherever the Lord’s Spirit is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ As all of us reflect the Lord’s glory with faces that are not covered with veils, we are being changed into his image with ever-increasing glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Paul Is Never Discouraged

4 We don’t become discouraged, since God has given us this ministry through his mercy. ² Instead, we have refused to use secret and shameful ways. We don’t use tricks, and we don’t distort God’s word. As God watches, we clearly reveal the truth to everyone. This is our ⌞letter of⌟ recommendation.

³ So if the Good News that we tell others is covered with a veil, it is hidden from those who are dying. ⁴ The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. As a result, they don’t see the light of the Good News about Christ’s glory. It is Christ who is God’s image.

⁵ Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake. ⁶ We are his servants because the same God who said that light should shine out of darkness has given us light. For that reason we bring to light the knowledge about God’s glory which shines from Christ’s face.