<p>4:7 <i>But we have this treasure in earthly vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves- </i>The reference is clearly to Gideon and his men breaking their earthly vessels, and God giving them a great victory (Jud. 7:19). Paul and Timothy were vessels used by God (Acts 9:15; 2 Tim. 2:21); but so are we all (2 Cor. 4:7). All true human achievement for God must be in allowing His Spirit to work, and not by human power &quot;from ourselves&quot;. This is the spirit of Gideon (Jud. 7:2).</p>