2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6

New International Version

¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope,^(A) we are very bold.^{(B) 13} We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face^(C) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull,^(D) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant^(E) is read.^(F) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,^(G) the veil is taken away.^{(H) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(I) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(J) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](K) the Lord’s glory,^(L) are being transformed into his image^(M) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy^(N) we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.^{(O) 2} Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(P) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(Q) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(R) in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel^(S) is veiled,^(T) it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(U) 4} The god^(V) of this age^(W) has blinded^(X) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(Y) who is the image of God.^{(Z) 5} For what we preach is not ourselves,^(AA) but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(AB) and ourselves as your servants^(AC) for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[b](AD) made his light shine in our hearts^(AE) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.^(AF)