Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 3:9

"For if the ministration of condemnation hath glory, much rather doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory." — 2 Corinthians 3:9 (ASV)

In the remainder of the chapter Paul provides a commentary on selected points of the narrative in Ex 34:29–35. When Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the two tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments, his face shone so brightly that “the Israelites could not look steadily” at him. Well then, argues Paul, if such glory attended the giving of the law under the administration that brought death and condemns people, how much more glorious will be the ministry of the Spirit that brings righteousness! What was a distinctive and positive feature of the old order must also characterize the new economy, but in greater measure. The new covenant has surpassing glory inasmuch as it is a more adequate revelation of God’s character.