ACC ~ 2 Corinthians 2 v16

THE SMELL OF DEATH TO UNBELIEVERS. AMBROSIASTER: To unbelievers the preaching of the cross is the smell of death. On hearing the Word of God they receive it as if it were a plague from which death knocks on the door. But to others it is the fragrance of life. To believers the Word of God is a messenger of eternal life. It affects them in accordance with their faith. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

TO CORRECT AND TO DESTROY. CHRYSOSTOM: If anyone is lost he has only himself to blame. Soothing ointment is said to suffocate pigs. Light is blinding to the weak. It is in the nature of good things not only to correct what is close to them but also to destroy the opposite, and in this way their power is displayed. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 5.3.

PUNISHMENT AND COMFORT. AUGUSTINE: Through an evil man divine providence can both punish and comfort. For the impiety of the Jews was the Jews’ downfall and yet provided salvation for the Gentiles. Again, divine providence through a good man can both condemn and help, as the apostle says: “To some we are the scent of life to life, but to others we are the scent of death to death.” But every tribulation is either a punishment of the impious or a testing of the just. … Further, peace and quiet from disruptive times can both profit the good and corrupt the evil. QUESTIONS 27.

2 Cor