Chapter XVIII.--The glory of the cross.
Let my spirit be counted as nothing [606] for the sake of the cross, which is a stumbling-block [607] to those that do not believe, but to us salvation and life eternal. "Where is the wise man? where the disputer?" [608] Where is the boasting of those who are styled prudent? For our God, Jesus Christ, was, according to the appointment [609] of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Ghost. He was born and baptized, that by His passion He might purify the water.
The cross of Christ is indeed a stumbling-block to those that do not believe, but to the believing it is salvation and life eternal. "Where is the wise man? where the disputer?" [610] Where is the boasting of those who are called mighty? For the Son of God, who was begotten before time began, [611] and established all things according to the will of the Father, He was conceived in the womb of Mary, according to the appointment of God, of the seed of David, and by the Holy Ghost. For says [the Scripture], "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and He shall be called Immanuel." [612] He was born and was baptized by John, that He might ratify the institution committed to that prophet.
[606] Again, peripsema, translated "offscouring," 1 Cor. iv. 13.
[607] Comp. 1 Cor. i. 18.
[608] 1 Cor. i. 20.
[609] Or, "economy," or "dispensation." Comp. Col. i. 25; 1 Tim. i. 4.
[610] 1 Cor. i. 20.
[611] Literally, "before the ages."
[612] Isa. vii. 14; Matt. i. 23.
Chapter XIX.--Three celebrated mysteries.
Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, [613] which were wrought in silence by [614] God. How, then, was He manifested to the world? [615] A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all. And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else [in the heavens]. Hence every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness disappeared; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom abolished, God Himself being manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life. And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God. Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.
Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, [616] which were wrought in silence, but have been revealed to us. A star shone forth in heaven above all that were before it, and its light was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star. It far exceeded them all in brightness, and agitation was felt as to whence this new spectacle [proceeded]. Hence worldly wisdom became folly; conjuration was seen to be mere trifling; and magic became utterly ridiculous. Every law [617] of wickedness vanished away; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man displaying power as God. But neither was the former a mere imagination, [618] nor did the second imply a bare humanity; [619] but the one was absolutely true, [620] and the other an economical arrangement. [621] Now that received a beginning which was perfected by God. [622] Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.
[613] Literally, "of noise."
[614] Or, "in the silence of God"--divine silence.
[615] Literally, "to the ages."
[616] Literally, "of noise."
[617] Some read, "bond."
[618] Literally, "opinion."
[619] Literally, "bareness."
[620] Literally, "truth."
[621] Literally, "an economy."
[622] Or, "that which was perfect received a beginning from God."