popularity. They were bragging about having a spectacular ministry: eloquent speeches (11:5; 1 Corinthians 2:1), formal letters of recommendation (3:1), and impressive presentations (see 10:10–11). In contrast, Paul and his companions were preaching out of a sincere heart before God with concern for eternity and to please the ultimate Judge, God himself. The Corinthians had been dazzled by these magnificent and impressive shows. They had been captivated by their astonishing rhetoric. Subtly, they