2 Corinthians 3:1

Translations

Modern

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

Traditional

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

Literal

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or like some, do we need letters of recommendation to you or from you?

Latin

Incipimus iterum nosmetipsos commendare? aut numquid egemus (sicut quidam) commendatitiis epistolis ad vos, aut ex vobis?

Original

Greek

English

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

Notes

2 Corinthians 3:1–3

Paul’s ministry was proven by the lives changed by the good news about Jesus, not by a letter of recommendation (compare Acts 18:27). Christ, who caused this change, used Paul to guide believers to him. The true signs are not in letters written with pen and ink on parchment, but in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) in human lives and engraved on human hearts.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

2 Corinthians 10:12
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.
2 Corinthians 12:11
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
2 Corinthians 5:12
We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.
Acts 18:27
When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
1 Corinthians 16:3
Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 4:15
Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
2 Corinthians 12:19
Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.
1 Corinthians 3:10
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.
2 Corinthians 10:8
For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
1 Corinthians 10:33
…as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) New Covenant Second Letter to the Corinthians Spirit of Jesus Christ

Topics

Letters of Recommendation

2 Corinthians 3:1

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