Himself. For He came to save all through means of Himself—all, I say, who through Him are born again to God[1]—infants,[2] and children, and boys, and youths, and old men. He therefore passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, thus sanctifying infants; a child for children, thus sanctifying those who are of this age, being at the same time made to them an example of piety, righteousness, and submission; a youth for youths, becoming an example to youths, and thus sanctifying them for the Lord. So likewise He was an old man for old men, that He might be a perfect Master for all, not merely as respects the setting forth of the truth, but also as regards age, sanctifying at the same time the aged also, and becoming an example to them likewise. Then, at last. He came on to death itself, that He might be "the first-born from the dead, that in all things He might have the pre-eminence,"[3] the Prince of life,[4] existing before all, and going before all.
5. They, however, that they may establish their false opinion regarding that which is written, "to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord," maintain that He preached for one year only, and then suffered in the twelfth month. [In speaking thus], they are forgetful to their own disadvantage, destroying His whole work, and robbing Him of that age which is both more necessary and more honourable than any other; that more advanced age, I mean, during which also as a teacher He excelled all others. For how could He have had disciples, if He did not teach? And how could He have taught, unless He had reached the age of a Master? For when He came to be baptized. He had not yet completed His thirtieth year, but was beginning to be about thirty years of age (for thus Luke, who has mentioned His years, has ex-
- ↑ "Renascuntur in Deum." The reference in these words is doubtless to baptism, as clearly appears from comparing book iii. 17, 1.
- ↑ It has been remarked by Wall and others, that we have here the statement of a valuable fact as to the baptism of infants in the primitive church.
- ↑ Col. i. 18.
- ↑ Acts iii. 15.
expunge "suam;" but, as Harvey well observes, "it has a peculiar significance, nor abrogating his own law."
