2:3–5 Taken by themselves, these verses might suggest that Paul was timid, uneducated, and unable to speak with force and eloquence. Both the Book of Acts (e.g., 19:8) and Paul’s own letters (ch. 13) prove otherwise. “Self-confidence,” if it rests on arrogance concerning one’s own strength, reflects a desire to be independent from God. Paul had learned that God can use human weakness to show forth His own glory (2 Cor. 12:7–10). Because he knew that men and women will be persuaded only “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” Paul used his talents and training with full confidence.