⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves^(A) to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.^(B)

⁶ He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant^(A)—not of the letter^(B) but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.^(C)

¹⁶ To the one we are an aroma that brings death;^(A) to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?^(B)