Augustine of Hippo

"But I" (ver. 17). I for whom they were seeking evil, I whose "life they were seeking, that they might take it away." But turn thee to another description of persons. But I to whom they said, "Well done! Well done!" "I am poor and needy." There is nothing in me that may be praised as mine own. …

Exposition on Psalm 40 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

"But I." Here the cause of the petition is presented. And first he proposes his need; second, the help of God against it is presented. He says therefore, I ask all these things because by myself I can do nothing, because I am a beggar. And this can be read in two ways. In one way, literally of Christ in his own person, who in this world, living, was both a beggar and poor. 2 Cor. …

Exposition on the Psalms of David ↗

Bonaventure

Likewise, this same thing is shown by the example of Christ. Psalm: But I am a beggar and poor: Gloss: "Christ says this of Himself: I am a beggar in the form of a servant. A beggar is one who asks from another, a pauper is one who does not suffice for himself." But it is certain that this is not understood of Christ with respect to spiritual gifts or goods, because He was a comprehensor and full of all grace: therefore it is understood with respect to temporal goods, and thus with respect to those He was a beggar and asked from …

Disputed Questions on Evangelical Perfection, Question 2 ↗