To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
The savour of [ ek (G1537 ), from] death unto death ... of, х ek (G1537), from: 'Aleph (') A B C. Delta G f g, Vulgate, omit it, as Received Text, in both places]
Life unto life - an odour arising out of death (an announcement of a dead Christ, and a virtually lifeless Gospel, as unbelievers regard our message), ending (as the just and natural consequence) in death (to the unbelievers); (but to the believer) an odour arising out of life (i:e., the announcement of a risen and living Saviour), ending in life (to the believer) (Matthew 21:44; Luke 2:34; John 9:39).
Who is sufficient for these things? - namely, for diffusing aright the savour of Christ, so diverse in its effects on believers and unbelievers. He here prepares the way for one purpose of his letter-namely, to vindicate his apostolic mission from the deniers of its sufficiency at Corinth. The Greek order puts prominent the momentous task assigned to him-`For these things, who is sufficient?' He answers his own question, 2 Corinthians 3:5 - "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves ... but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able х hikanoosen (G2427), sufficient] ministers," etc. It is not a profession of his insufficiency, through false humility, but of his sufficiency through God, as contrasted with those who falsely arrogate it to themselves (2 Corinthians 2:17).