2 Corinthians 3:16
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When it shall turn to the Lord - When the Israelitish nation shall turn to the Lord Jesus, the veil shall be taken away; the true light shall shine; and they shall see all things clearly. There is an evident allusion here to the case of Moses, mentioned Exo 34:34. When he came from the Lord, and spoke to the Israelites, he put the veil over his face; but when he returned to speak with the Lord, then he took off the veil. So, when the Israelitish nation shall return to speak with and pray to the Lord Jesus, the veil of darkness and ignorance shall be taken away from their hearts; but never before that time. The words seem to imply: 1. That there will be a conversion of the Jews to Christianity; and, 2. That this conversion will be en masse; that a time will come when the whole nation of the Jews, in every place, shall turn to Christ; and then the Gentiles and Jews make one fold, under one Shepherd and Bishop of all souls.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Moses took off the veil on entering into the presence of the Lord. So as to the Israelites whom Moses represents, "whensoever their heart (it) turns (not as English Version, 'shall turn') to the Lord, the veil is (by the very fact; not as English Version, 'shall be') taken away." Exo 34:34 is the allusion; not Exo 34:30-31, as ALFORD thinks. Whenever the Israelites turn to the Lord, who is the Spirit of the law, the veil is taken off their hearts in the presence of the Lord: as the literal veil was taken off by Moses in going before God: no longer resting on the dead letter, the veil, they by the Spirit commune with God and with the inner spirit of the Mosaic covenant (which answers to the glory of Moses' face unveiled in God's presence).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord,.... The heart, upon which the veil now is; or the body of the Jewish nation, as in the latter day; when they "shall turn", or "be turned", by the Spirit, power, and grace of God, to the Lord Jesus Christ, and look upon him whom they have pierced, and mourn, and embrace him as the true Messiah and only Saviour: the veil shall be taken away; the veil of blindness and ignorance, respecting themselves, case, state, and condition, and the way of salvation by Christ; the veil of unbelief, with regard to his person, offices, and grace, and of error in points of the greatest moment and importance; then all the darkness and obscurity that is upon the books of Moses and the prophets, and which is now upon their hearts in reading them, will be gone. The prophecies of the Old Testament will be seen in their proper light, and to be evidently fulfilled in Christ; the true nature, use, and end of the law, will be discovered; and both they and that will be freed from all darkness that now attends them. The Jews themselves acknowledge, that though the law is light, yet there is an obscurity in it, by reason of the several ways of interpreting it; and therefore, "he that studies in it, has need to remove, , "veil after veil", which is upon the face of it, in order to come at the light of it (g):'' and intimate, that the veil on Moses's face was an emblem of this obscurity, which agrees with what the apostle hints in this context; and also own, that there is now upon them a veil of ignorance; and, say they (h), God has promised to remove, , perhaps it should be "the veil of folly off of our understanding", referring, as is thought, to Isa 25:7. (g) R. Abraham Seba in Tzeror Hammor, fol. 90. 2. (h) Chobat Halebabot, par. 1. c. 3. apud L. Capell. in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-18 The believer who turns to the Lord has freedom in the Spirit. We receive something Moses never knew as we become more and more like Christ (4:4; John 1:1-14; Col 1:15; Heb 1:1-4) and reflect the glory of the Lord. Divine glory in this present life leads to our being like Christ in the next life (Rom 8:29; Gal 4:19; Phil 3:21; 1 Jn 3:2).
2 Corinthians 3:16
The Glory of the New Covenant
15And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Intimacy
By Jackie Pullinger12K1:31:10Intimacy With GodEXO 33:13EXO 33:18MAT 6:332CO 3:162CO 3:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of attending a conference in South Africa and the challenges of the schedule. Despite feeling exhausted, the speaker allowed others to pray for them. The sermon then transitions to discussing the story of Moses, highlighting how he encountered God and was chosen for a purpose. The speaker emphasizes that following God's plan is not difficult, but rather the decision to do so can be challenging. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of sharing the love of Jesus and making Him known to others.
(Texas 2009) the Holy Spirit Brings New Wine and a New Wineskin
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:01:24Holy SpiritDEU 8:3ISA 50:4MAT 1:1LUK 24:32JHN 3:16ACT 15:212CO 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God speaking to us every day and our willingness to listen. He shares a powerful testimony of a young man who was once demon-possessed but found freedom and became an elder brother in their church. The speaker also highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire. He encourages listeners to recognize their role in their own little world of people and to share the love of God with them so that they may have eternal life.
Genesis 12:1
By Robert Arthur1.1K31:45AbramGEN 12:12CO 3:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing 2 Corinthians 4:6, which speaks about God shining His light in our hearts to reveal the knowledge of His glory. The speaker then recalls the concept of devotion and the example of the Nazarite, whose compulsions always came from before him. The sermon also mentions the story of Abraham and how he valued the word of God over worldly promises. The speaker emphasizes the idea that when glory comes in, something else must be displaced, as seen in the construction of the tabernacle and the filling of the tabernacle with the glory of the Lord.
The Life Abundant
By George Kulp0PSA 119:18JHN 4:14JHN 10:10JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:372CO 3:16EPH 3:20HEB 4:12REV 22:17George Kulp preaches on the abundant life offered by Jesus in John 10:10, emphasizing the need to open our eyes to the wonders and promises in the Word of God. He encourages believers to seek God's revelation through the Scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth and richness found within. Kulp highlights the importance of accepting God's gift of life, both natural and spiritual, and the necessity of embracing the fullness of the Spirit for a victorious Christian walk. He urges listeners to pursue the abundant life through faith, prayer, and a deep relationship with God, leading to a transformation that overcomes spiritual stagnation and empowers believers to impact others for Christ.
Characteristics of Maturity
By J.I. Packer0EXO 24:15NUM 6:25PSA 32:52CO 3:162CO 4:6COL 3:3Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'anakalupto,' which signifies the unveiling or uncovering by drawing back the veil. Paul uses the analogy of Moses veiling his face to illustrate the passing glory of the Old Covenant compared to the eternal glory of the New Covenant in Christ. Believers, both Jew and Gentile, experience the removal of the spiritual veil upon turning to the Lord, enabling them to see and reflect the glory of God. The transformation that occurs in believers allows them to radiate the glory of God, a privilege made possible through Christ.
Of Conversion.
By John Gill0ConversionGrace Of GodPSA 19:7JER 3:12MAT 21:31LUK 22:32JHN 5:40ACT 26:181CO 6:92CO 3:16EPH 2:21PE 2:25John Gill emphasizes the distinction between conversion, regeneration, and effectual calling, explaining that conversion involves both God's action and the sinner's response. He clarifies that true conversion is an internal work of God that transforms the heart and mind, leading individuals away from sin and towards God. Gill outlines the nature of genuine conversion, which includes a heartfelt turning from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, and from reliance on personal righteousness to faith in Christ's righteousness. He stresses that conversion is ultimately the work of God, not man, and is facilitated through the ministry of the Word. The preacher concludes that true conversion is a profound change that reflects God's grace and mercy in the lives of sinners.
John 12:37-41. Some Refuse to Believe.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0EXO 33:18ISA 6:1LUK 2:32JHN 1:9JHN 3:19JHN 9:39JHN 12:402CO 3:162CO 4:61JN 1:5Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the perplexing concept of God blinding eyes and hardening hearts, explaining that it is a righteous judgment for those who love darkness and refuse to come to the light. The sermon emphasizes that all good comes from God, including righteous judgment, and explores the consequences of rejecting the light of Jesus. The glory of the Son of God is revealed through both divine power and human form, but only those whose eyes God has opened can truly behold this glory. The greatest calamity is being blind to the glory of the Redeemer, as believers cherish the goodness and love of God while unbelievers remain unable to comprehend it.
He Is Our Hope
By K.P. Yohannan0RedemptionHope in ChristJER 31:3LUK 15:20LUK 22:32JHN 8:112CO 3:16K.P. Yohannan shares a powerful message about hope in Jesus, recounting the story of a brilliant young man who, despite his extensive knowledge of theology, felt spiritually bankrupt. The preacher emphasizes that true hope and fulfillment come not from our accomplishments or knowledge, but from a personal relationship with Jesus. He illustrates this through the parable of the prodigal son and the sacrifice of Aslan in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' drawing parallels to Christ's redemptive work on the cross. Yohannan reassures that no matter our failures, Jesus is always ready to embrace us and restore us, highlighting His everlasting love and forgiveness. The sermon encourages believers to turn their eyes away from their shortcomings and focus on the hope found in Christ.
The Mirrors of the Lord
By George MacDonald0MAT 6:33JHN 1:4JHN 8:32JHN 8:36JHN 10:10JHN 14:6JHN 14:232CO 3:162CO 3:181JN 3:2George MacDonald preaches about the transformative power of beholding the glory of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of mirroring Christ in our hearts to be changed into His likeness by the spirit of the Lord. He delves into the practicality of Paul's writing, highlighting the need for obedience over intellectual understanding, and the significance of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. MacDonald challenges the audience to open their hearts to Jesus, the only likeness of the living Father, and allow His presence to bring liberty and transformation, leading to a life of truth, purity, and heavenly childhood.
A Reply to an Answer to Queries by i.p. Concerning Gospel Baptism
By Isaac Penington0PSA 50:8ACT 27:202CO 3:16HEB 10:11Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35924 preaches about the significance of periaireo, which means to completely take away or remove the guilt of sin, likened to lifting the anchors of sin that weigh us down and prevent us from embracing the life God has for us. The sermon emphasizes that only the blood of Christ can set us free from the heavy weight of sin that binds us, urging believers to let go of any unforgiveness, wrongs done, or ungratefulness that restricts their freedom in Christ. It highlights how Christ's sacrifice once for all time has fully atoned for our sins, allowing Him to sit at the right hand of God as our Great High Priest, signifying the completion of His work and His victory over all enemies.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When it shall turn to the Lord - When the Israelitish nation shall turn to the Lord Jesus, the veil shall be taken away; the true light shall shine; and they shall see all things clearly. There is an evident allusion here to the case of Moses, mentioned Exo 34:34. When he came from the Lord, and spoke to the Israelites, he put the veil over his face; but when he returned to speak with the Lord, then he took off the veil. So, when the Israelitish nation shall return to speak with and pray to the Lord Jesus, the veil of darkness and ignorance shall be taken away from their hearts; but never before that time. The words seem to imply: 1. That there will be a conversion of the Jews to Christianity; and, 2. That this conversion will be en masse; that a time will come when the whole nation of the Jews, in every place, shall turn to Christ; and then the Gentiles and Jews make one fold, under one Shepherd and Bishop of all souls.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Moses took off the veil on entering into the presence of the Lord. So as to the Israelites whom Moses represents, "whensoever their heart (it) turns (not as English Version, 'shall turn') to the Lord, the veil is (by the very fact; not as English Version, 'shall be') taken away." Exo 34:34 is the allusion; not Exo 34:30-31, as ALFORD thinks. Whenever the Israelites turn to the Lord, who is the Spirit of the law, the veil is taken off their hearts in the presence of the Lord: as the literal veil was taken off by Moses in going before God: no longer resting on the dead letter, the veil, they by the Spirit commune with God and with the inner spirit of the Mosaic covenant (which answers to the glory of Moses' face unveiled in God's presence).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord,.... The heart, upon which the veil now is; or the body of the Jewish nation, as in the latter day; when they "shall turn", or "be turned", by the Spirit, power, and grace of God, to the Lord Jesus Christ, and look upon him whom they have pierced, and mourn, and embrace him as the true Messiah and only Saviour: the veil shall be taken away; the veil of blindness and ignorance, respecting themselves, case, state, and condition, and the way of salvation by Christ; the veil of unbelief, with regard to his person, offices, and grace, and of error in points of the greatest moment and importance; then all the darkness and obscurity that is upon the books of Moses and the prophets, and which is now upon their hearts in reading them, will be gone. The prophecies of the Old Testament will be seen in their proper light, and to be evidently fulfilled in Christ; the true nature, use, and end of the law, will be discovered; and both they and that will be freed from all darkness that now attends them. The Jews themselves acknowledge, that though the law is light, yet there is an obscurity in it, by reason of the several ways of interpreting it; and therefore, "he that studies in it, has need to remove, , "veil after veil", which is upon the face of it, in order to come at the light of it (g):'' and intimate, that the veil on Moses's face was an emblem of this obscurity, which agrees with what the apostle hints in this context; and also own, that there is now upon them a veil of ignorance; and, say they (h), God has promised to remove, , perhaps it should be "the veil of folly off of our understanding", referring, as is thought, to Isa 25:7. (g) R. Abraham Seba in Tzeror Hammor, fol. 90. 2. (h) Chobat Halebabot, par. 1. c. 3. apud L. Capell. in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-18 The believer who turns to the Lord has freedom in the Spirit. We receive something Moses never knew as we become more and more like Christ (4:4; John 1:1-14; Col 1:15; Heb 1:1-4) and reflect the glory of the Lord. Divine glory in this present life leads to our being like Christ in the next life (Rom 8:29; Gal 4:19; Phil 3:21; 1 Jn 3:2).