2 Corinthians 3:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 3 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 To obviate the imputation of vain glory, Paul showeth that the gifts and graces of the Corinthians were a sufficient commendation of his ministry, 2 Corinthians 3:4,5 the efficacy of which he ascribeth entirely to God. 2 Corinthians 3:6-11 He proveth the superior excellency of the gospel ministry to that of the law, 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 and thereupon justifieth his plain speaking, as under a dispensation of greater light and liberty than that of Moses. The apostle, in the former Epistle, had spoken much in the vindication of himself and of his office; he seeth reason to return again to something of the like discourse, being provoked by the many imputations which the false apostles and teachers, in this church, had laid upon him: therefore he saith: Do we begin again? Or else these words may have a special reference to the last verse of the former chapter; where he had commended himself, as being none of those who corrupted the word of God, but had preached as of God, and in the sight of God. No, (saith the apostle), though some others stand in need of commendatory letters, and are very careful to procure them, (by which others he very probably means the false apostles and teachers, which were Paul's great enemies), yet I trust I need not any letters commendatory to recommend me to you, any more than letters of recommendation from you to commend me unto any other churches of Christ.