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Dialogue with Trypho
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Chapter 96:—That curse was a prediction of the actions the Jews would take.
THE STATEMENT IN THE LAW: "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree," confirms our hope which depends on the crucified Christ. This is not because the one who has been crucified is cursed by God, but because God foretold what would be done by you all, and by those like you, who do not realize that this is He who existed before all, who is the eternal Priest of God, and King, and Christ. You clearly see that this has come to pass. You curse in your synagogues all those who are called Christians from Him; and other nations effectively carry out the curse by putting to death those who simply confess themselves to be Christians. To all of them, we say, you are our brethren; instead, recognize the truth of God.
While neither they nor you are persuaded by us, but strive earnestly to cause us to deny the name of Christ, we choose instead to submit to death, fully assured that God will reward us with all the good He has promised through Christ. In addition to all this, we pray for you, that Christ may have mercy upon you. For He taught us to pray for our enemies also, saying, "Love your enemies; be kind and merciful, as your heavenly Father is." We see that the Almighty God is kind and merciful, causing His sun to rise on the unthankful and on the righteous, and sending rain on the holy and on the wicked; all of whom He has taught us that He will judge.