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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves." For seeing he had spoken many and great things of the unspeakable glory, lest any should say, 'And how enjoying so great a glory remain we in a mortal body?' he saith, that this very thing is indeed the chiefest marvel and a very great example of the power of God, that an earthen vessel hath been enabled to bear so great a brightness and to keep so high a treasure. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Since he said much that was great and lofty about the ineffable glory, lest anyone should say: how then shall we, having received such blessings as you describe, remain in a mortal body? – he says: the earthen vessel contains such treasures by the power of God. That the exceeding power manifested in us might be of God, and that no one might think we accomplish anything of ourselves, but that all who see might say that all this is of God. He hints at the false apostles, who attributed everything to themselves.
Clement of Alexandria
This visible appearance cheats death and the devil; for the wealth within, the beauty, is unseen by them. And they rave about the carcase, which they despise as weak, being blind to the wealth within; knowing not what a "treasure in an earthen vessel" we bear, protected as it is by the power of God the Father, and the blood of God the Son, and the dew of the Holy Spirit.
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
Above, he discussed the use of the ministry of the New Testament in regard to doing good; here he discusses its use in regard to enduring evil. In regard to this he does two things: first, he points to the endurance of the evils they suffered; secondly, he explains this (v. 11). In regard to the first he does three things: first, he shows the reason why they are exposed to tribulations by God; secondly, he shows that they should act patiently under these tribulations (v. 8); thirdly, he gives the reason for this patience (v. 10). …
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