The First Apology

When the Spirit of prophecy speaks from the person of Christ, the words are like this: “I have spread out My hands to a disobedient and rebellious people, to those who walk in a way that is not good.” And again: “I gave My back to the scourges, and My cheeks to the beatings; I did not turn away My face from the shame of spitting; and the Lord was My helper: therefore, I was not disgraced: but I set My face as a firm rock; and I knew that I would not be ashamed, for He is near who justifies Me.” And again, when He says, “They cast lots upon My clothing, and pierced My hands and My feet. And I lay down and slept, and rose again, because the Lord sustained Me.” And again, when He says, “They spoke with their lips, they wagged their heads, saying, Let Him deliver Himself.” And you can confirm that all these things happened to Christ at the hands of the Jews. For when He was crucified, they did shoot out the lip, and wagged their heads, saying, “Let Him who raised the dead save Himself.”