Paul defends his ministry by contrasting it with Moses' ministry. He uses the narrative in Exodus 34:29-35 to show how the Sinai covenant came with glory even though it could never be the means for God's lasting presence with his people and thus was being brought to an end. Therefore Paul's gospel ministry must have glory since it provides the lasting way for God's presence to be with his people, a presence they even now experience as Moses did in the tent of meeting.
