2 Corinthians 3:13 – We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his comparison between the old covenant (the Law given to Moses) and the new covenant (grace through Jesus Christ). Here, he refers to Moses’ veil, which was used to cover his face after he had been in God’s presence.

In Exodus 34:29-35, after Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, his face shone with God’s glory. This terrified the Israelites, so Moses veiled his face whenever he spoke with them. But Paul adds an important insight here: the veil wasn’t just to protect the people from the brightness—it was also to hide the fact that the glory was fading.

Paul is using this as an illustration. The old covenant had glory, but it was temporary and fading away. The Law was good, but it could not bring lasting transformation or make people righteous before God. It revealed sin, but it could not remove it.

Unlike Moses, Paul says that under the new covenant, there is no need to hide or veil anything—the glory of Christ never fades.

Historical Context

In the ancient Jewish world, Moses was one of the most revered figures. He was the one through whom God gave the Law, and he led Israel out of slavery. The Israelites saw the Law as the foundation of their relationship with God.

However, Paul is making a radical point. He is saying that the old covenant—represented by Moses’ shining but fading face—was not meant to last forever. Its glory was temporary, and it pointed to something greater—Jesus Christ and the new covenant.

Paul is also addressing false teachers who were trying to bring Christians back under the Law. They were treating the old covenant as if it were still in effect, but Paul makes it clear that it was always meant to pass away and be replaced by something far greater.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches some key truths:

1. The old covenant was temporary – It had a purpose, but it was never meant to be permanent.
2. The new covenant is open and unveiled – There is no need for secrecy; the gospel is meant to be fully revealed and understood.
3. Religious traditions cannot replace the gospel – Many people still try to approach God through rules and rituals, but Paul makes it clear: righteousness only comes through Christ, not the Law.

This verse challenges the idea that we must hide or cover up spiritual truths. The gospel is meant to be clearly seen and boldly proclaimed.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses contrast in this verse:

• Moses vs. Paul – Moses covered the fading glory; Paul openly proclaims the unfading glory of Christ.
• Veil vs. No veil – The old covenant was hidden and temporary, but the new covenant is open and eternal.
• Glory fading vs. Glory lasting – The temporary nature of the Law is contrasted with the permanent transformation of the Spirit.

Paul’s language also prepares the reader for the next verses, where he will talk about the removal of the veil and how people can only truly see God’s glory through Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 34:29-35 – (Moses veiling his face after encountering God’s presence.)
• Hebrews 8:6-7 – “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” (The old covenant has been replaced by a better one.)
• Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Jesus fulfills the Law and brings lasting righteousness.)
• 2 Corinthians 3:16 – “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (The veil is removed in Christ, revealing God’s full glory.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse speaks directly to the temptation to hold onto religious traditions instead of fully embracing Christ. Many people feel comfortable with legalism, rituals, and religious performance, but Paul reminds us that those things were never meant to last.

For today’s believer, this means:

• We don’t have to live under the weight of religious rules – The new covenant frees us to live in grace and truth.
• We should not “veil” the truth – The gospel is not something to be hidden or softened; it should be proclaimed boldly and clearly.
• Transformation comes through the Spirit, not through religious effort – Many people try to “fix” themselves through rules, but only Christ can truly transform a person.

This verse challenges Christians to remove any “veils” in their own lives—anything that might keep them from fully seeing and embracing the truth of Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire to reveal Himself fully. Under the old covenant, His presence was hidden behind veils—whether it was the veil in the temple or the veil over Moses’ face.

But in the new covenant, God has removed the barriers between Himself and His people. Through Jesus:

• The veil in the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), showing that we now have direct access to God.
• We no longer have to approach God with fear—we can come boldly into His presence.
• God’s love is not hidden or fading—it is eternal and available to all who believe.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the One who removes the veil and reveals the full glory of God.

• Matthew 27:50-51 – “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Jesus’ death removed the separation between God and people.)
• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory.” (Jesus fully reveals God’s glory, unlike Moses’ fading glory.)
• 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (Jesus is the full and lasting revelation of God.)
• Colossians 2:16-17 – “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Jesus is the reality that the Law pointed to.)

Jesus does not veil God’s glory—He reveals it completely. Through Him, we see the full picture of God’s love, power, and grace.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Paul mean when he says Moses veiled his face? How does that relate to the old covenant?
2. How does knowing that the new covenant is permanent change your view of Christianity?
3. Are there any “veils” in your life—things that keep you from fully embracing the truth of Jesus?
4. How does this verse challenge you to live boldly and openly in your faith?
5. In what ways do people today still try to hold onto the old covenant instead of embracing Christ?