Paul wrote, “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?” (2 Corinthians 3:1).
Paul addresses a delicate matter here. In the preceding verses he described the apostolic ministry in striking terms: “spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ” (2:14), being the “aroma of God to the saved and perishing” (2:15), and speaking “as men of sincerity as commissioned by God” (2:17). Some might see these words as self-praise. Paul addresses this by asking, rhetorically, if he is starting to commend himself again.
False teachers in Corinth carried letters of recommendation to prove their authority. Such letters were common in the ancient world to introduce strangers or validate messengers. Yet Paul questions the need for them. Why would true apostles send men who preach “another Jesus” or “another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:8-9)?
Paul himself had written such letters for others. He commended Timothy (1 Corinthians 16:10-11), Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2), Apollos (Acts 18:27), and planned commendations for those carrying the collection (1 Corinthians 16:3). The practice was legitimate when genuine. But opponents likely accused Paul of lacking such credentials, implying he was illegitimate. He returns to this charge with growing emphasis: in later parts of the letter (5:12, 10:12, and 12:11).
Paul said, “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all” (2 Corinthians 3:2). The Corinthians were Paul’s pride and joy (2 Corinthians 7:4). His joy came from their repentance (7:9). They believed through the confirming miracles (1 Corinthians 12:1-2; cp. Hebrews 2:3-4). Their thriving church, which was founded by Paul, and located in a strategic port city with economic power, served as living proof of his apostleship and God’s power working through him. He held them close.
He furthermore said, “And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (3:3).
Paul insists he was merely the instrument. Christ wrote the letter and Paul only delivered it. He evokes Old Testament promises of a new covenant where God writes His law on hearts, not stone (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26). A heart of stone is hard, cold and dead while a heart of flesh is alive and softened by grace. The change in the Corinthians proved the Spirit’s work. “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:16). No man can claim such transforming power. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God (3:4).
This confidence is bold yet Christ-centered. Through faith in Him we approach God with confidence (Ephesians 3:12). Second Corinthians 3:5 states, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”
Paul refuses self-boasting. Again he asks, “Who is sufficient?” (2:16). False teachers boasted in their own abilities and successes. Proverbs 16:18 tells us how human confidence ends when it says that “Pride goes before destruction.” “The poor in spirit inherit the kingdom of God” (Matthew 5:3). Hard work matters and Paul tells us that he “worked harder than all” (1 Corinthians 15:10) but it is God who gives the increase (I Corinthians 3:6).
God qualifies Paul for this ministry: “…who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (3:6). The Old Covenant, etched in stone, condemned by exposing sin. The New Covenant, sealed by the Spirit, brings life and godliness.
Paul defends his ministry not by self-praise but by pointing to God’s work in the Corinthians. Their changed hearts are the true letter of recommendation. We too must show our divine sufficiency to teach by our wisdom in the Word. No flesh can glory in His presence. Our confidence is through Christ alone. May we serve faithfully, trusting Him who makes us competent for every good work.
Lance Byers