2 Corinthians 3:12 – Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

Extended Explanation

Paul has been comparing the old covenant, which was based on the Law of Moses, to the new covenant, which is based on grace through Jesus Christ. He has made it clear that the old covenant was temporary and fading, while the new covenant is eternal and far more glorious. Now, in this verse, Paul draws a conclusion: because we have this incredible hope in Christ, we can live with boldness.

The “hope” Paul is talking about is the certainty of the new covenant—our full acceptance before God, the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and the promise of eternal life. Unlike the old covenant, which left people in fear and uncertainty, the new covenant gives confidence and assurance.

Because of this secure hope, Paul says, “we are very bold.” He is talking about boldness in preaching the gospel, in living out the truth, and in standing firm in faith. He does not need to hide or be afraid because the message he carries is one of life, transformation, and eternal glory. This boldness comes not from himself, but from the certainty of what Christ has done.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church, a group of believers living in a culture that was full of opposition to the gospel. Some false teachers were trying to bring them back under Jewish laws and traditions, insisting that the old covenant was still in effect. Others, influenced by Greek philosophy, were skeptical of Paul’s teaching.

Paul had faced persecution for preaching Christ, but instead of backing down, he doubled down. He understood that the new covenant was far superior to the old, and that the message of Jesus was worth proclaiming boldly. Unlike Moses, who had to veil his face when the glory of God was fading (Exodus 34:29-35), Paul had no need to hide—because the new covenant is everlasting and its glory never fades.

The word Paul uses for “bold” (Greek: παρρησία or parrēsia) means confidence, openness, and fearlessness. This word was often used in the ancient world to describe someone who spoke freely and without fear of punishment. Paul is saying that because of Christ, we don’t have to be afraid to stand for truth.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several powerful truths:

1. The hope we have in Christ is certain – It is not based on our own efforts but on God’s promise, making it unshakable.
2. The gospel gives us boldness – Because we are forgiven, accepted, and transformed, we don’t have to live in fear or hesitation.
3. Christian faith is meant to be lived openly – Unlike the fading glory of the old covenant, the new covenant should be proclaimed boldly to the world.

Paul’s words challenge believers to speak truth with courage, stand firm in faith, and live with confidence—not in themselves, but in Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sentence structure is simple but powerful:

• “Therefore” – This signals that Paul is drawing a conclusion from everything he just said about the surpassing glory of the new covenant.
• “Since we have such a hope” – This phrase points back to the permanence and greatness of the new covenant. Paul is not speaking about wishful thinking, but about a secure, guaranteed future in Christ.
• “We are very bold” – This is a sharp contrast to the fear and uncertainty under the old covenant. Unlike Moses, who veiled his face, Paul speaks and lives with complete openness.

Paul’s contrast between boldness and the veil of Moses (which he will expand on in the next verses) makes a strong literary point: the new covenant removes barriers between God and people. It is not hidden, temporary, or fading—it is clear, eternal, and meant to be proclaimed with confidence.

Biblical Cross-References

• Hebrews 10:19-22 – “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.” (The new covenant gives believers boldness to approach God.)
• Acts 4:29 – “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (The early church prayed for boldness in preaching Christ.)
• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Paul’s confidence in the gospel led him to preach boldly.)
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” (Believers are called to live with courage, not fear.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful call to live with confidence in Christ. Many believers struggle with fear—fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of speaking openly about their faith. But Paul reminds us that we have nothing to fear because the new covenant is unshakable.

For today’s Christian, this means:

• We can boldly share the gospel – We don’t have to be ashamed or hesitant. The truth of Jesus is life-changing and should be shared with confidence.
• We can stand firm in our faith – Even in a world that opposes Christian beliefs, we can be courageous because our hope is secure.
• We can live with joy and assurance – The glory of the new covenant never fades, meaning we don’t have to live in uncertainty or guilt.

This verse is a challenge to reject timidity and live out our faith with boldness—in our words, actions, and daily lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the confidence He gives His children. Instead of leaving us in doubt and fear, He has given us a secure hope in Christ. Because of His love:

• We don’t have to fear rejection—God has already accepted us in Christ.
• We don’t have to fear failure—our salvation is based on Jesus, not our performance.
• We don’t have to fear speaking the truth—because God is with us, strengthening us.

A loving Father does not leave His children uncertain—He gives them assurance and boldness. That is what God has done for us in the new covenant.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the reason we have boldness and hope.

• Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus commands His followers to make disciples with confidence, knowing that He is with them always.
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—we can proclaim Him boldly because He is the only way to God.
• Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” (Jesus gives us the ability to come before God without fear.)
• Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Jesus is the source of our unshakable hope.)

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus removed the barrier between us and God. Because of Him, we don’t have to approach God—or life—with fear. Instead, we can walk with boldness and confidence.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to have hope in Christ? How does that hope give you boldness?
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to be bold about your faith?
3. How does understanding the new covenant help you live with confidence?
4. How can you live out this boldness in practical ways—at work, in your family, or in your community?
5. What would change in your life if you fully embraced the hope and boldness that Paul describes?