2 Corinthians 3:8 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)8 will not the ministry of the Holy Spirit [i.e., the New Agreement] have [greater] splendor? Ver CapítuloMás versionesKing James Version (Oxford) 17698 how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? Ver CapítuloAmplified Bible - Classic Edition8 Why should not the dispensation of the Spirit [this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit] be attended with much greater and more splendid glory? Ver CapítuloAmerican Standard Version (1901)8 how shall not rather the ministration of the spirit be with glory? Ver CapítuloCommon English Bible8 Won’t the ministry of the Spirit be much more glorious? Ver CapítuloCatholic Public Domain Version8 how could the ministration of the Spirit not be in greater glory? Ver Capítulo |
These people have been [specially] selected, and [their acceptance was] pre-planned by God the Father, and they were set apart through [the work of] the Holy Spirit. This resulted in their obedience and sprinkling [Note: This is a figurative reference to the Old Testament practice of cleansing, See Exodus 24:7-8] by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God’s unearned favor and peace be continually upon you.
But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for “first fruits” instead of “beginning” here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were “first”], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel].
He has also made us competent as ministers of a New Agreement [i.e., between Himself and mankind]. It is not [an agreement] based [merely] on a written document [i.e., such as the Law of Moses], but on the Holy Spirit, for the written document brings [spiritual] death [See Rom. 8:2], but the Holy Spirit brings [never ending] life.