2:16 savour. The “savour” of the burnt offerings, when offered in sincere repentance and faith, was described as a sweet-smelling savour to God (e.g., Genesis 8:21; Leviticus 1:9; Ephesians 5:2). The surrendered life and witness of a Christian (Romans 12:1) is likewise pleasing to God and will be used to bring others also to spiritual life in Christ. Those who reject its message, on the other hand, will be hardened yet further by that rejection. The message of Christ is both unto the fall of many and the rising of many (Luke 2:34). The preaching and living of God’s truth is never in vain, and its results bear eternal consequences, one way or the other.

2:16 sufficient. Not even Paul would claim sufficiency in himself for the awesome responsibility of conveying a message of such eternal import. It is infinitely important that the Christian witness expound and preach God’s Word truthfully and faithfully; God will take care of the results.