18 II. CORINTHIAKS 3, 18.

T'J^v avTr]v elKova ixcTaiJiop(f)ov}X€^a^ toe are transformed into the same image. The verb is commonly construed with ck, into^ or Kara, after ^ but sometimes, as here, with the simple accusative. 2he same image^ that is, the same w^hich we are by the Spirit enabled to behold. ' Beholding we are trans- formed ; ' there is a causal relation between the one and the other. This is a truth everywhere recognized in the word of God. While, on the one hand, it is taught that the natu- ral man cannot see the things of the Spirit, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2, 14, and that this blindness is the cause of alienation and pollution, Eph. 4,18; on the other hand, it is no less clearly taught that knowledge is the source of holiness, Eph. 5, 9 ; that si^iritual discernment imiDhes and produces congeniality. We shall be like Christ, because w^e shall see him as he is. 1 John 3, 2. The conformi- ty to the image of Christ, as it arises from beholding his glory, must of course begin here. It is the vision of that glory, al- though only as in a glass, which has this transforming power. As the vision is imperfect, so the transformation is imperfect ; when the vision is perfect, the conformity will be perfect. Rom. 8, 29. 1 John 3, 2. Only they are Christians, who are like Christ. The conformity of which the apostle speaks, al- though it is spiritual, as here presented, is not confined to the soul. Of the body it is said, since we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall bear the image of the heavenly. 1 Cor. 15, 49. Phil. 3, 21. From glory to glory. This may mean that the transformation proceeds from glory (i. e. from the glory of Christ as apprehended by us), and results in glory. This explanation is adopted by the Greek fathers. Or the ex- pression indicates progression from one stage of glory to another. Comp. Ps. 84, 7, "They go from strength to strength." This is the common and most natural mterpre- tation. The transformation is carried forward without inter- mission, from the first scarce discernible resemblance, to full conformity to the image of Christ, both as to soul and body. As hy the Spirit of the Lord. -4s, i. e. as might be expected from such an agent. It is a work which corresponds to the nature of its author. By ; the preposition is dTro, from., as indicating the source whence this glorious effect flows. The Spirit of the Lord. The Greek is Kvptov Trvtv/xaros, which the Vulgate renders Do7ni?ii Sj?iritu, an explanation which is adopted by Augustin, Calvin and many others, as well as by our translators. But this inverts the order of the words, and