Certain important conclusions follow from these observations. In the new covenant according to Paul, true reading both presupposes and produces the transformation of readers. Only readers made competent by the Spirit can throw back the veil and perceive the sense of Scripture; those who have not turned to the Lord who is Spirit are necessarily trapped in the script, with minds hardened and veiled. At the same time, readers who do by the aid of the Spirit discover the glory of God in Scripture are necessarily transformed by the experience. They cannot merely treat allegorical reading as an entertaining pastime or sit back to write learned and dispassionate books on hermeneutics. Those who have seen the glory of God behind the veil are necessarily caught up into the ministry of the new covenant, which means that they must, like Paul, give their lives over to "the ministry of reconciliation."
- from page 148, Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul