Ambrosiaster : Paul's purpose was to show that the ancient prophets did not have this position of trust in God's eyes, because theirs was a preparing ministry. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL'S EPISTLES Jerome : The apostle Paul, after describing in a few words the benefits of God, states in conclusion: "And for such offices, who is sufficient?" Whence he also says in another place: "Such is the assurance we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. He also it is who made us fit ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life." Do we still dare to boast about the free will and treat with insult the benefits of God the Giver, when the chosen vessel [Paul] also writes very clearly: "But we carry this treasure in vessels of clay, to show that the abundance of our power is God's and not ours"? — Against the Pelagians 3.9 John Chrysostom : Yet because it was a great thing he had uttered, he therefore quickly checks himself, saying, "And such confidence have we through Christ to Godward," And again refers all to God: for it is Christ, saith he, Who is the Author of these things to us. — Homily 6 on 2 Corinthians