Chapter X.—The reality of Christ’s passion. But if, as some that are without God, that is, the unbelieving, say, that He only seemed to suffer (they themselves only seeming to exist), then why am I in bonds? Why do I long to be exposed to316 the wild beasts? Do I therefore die in vain?317 Am I not then guilty of falsehood318 against [the cross of] the Lord? But if, as some that are without God, that is, the unbelieving, say, He became man in appearance [only], that He did not in reality take unto Him a body, that He died in appear- ance [merely], and did not in very deed suffer, then for what reason am I now in bonds, and long to be exposed to319 the wild beasts? In such a case, I die in vain, and am guilty of falsehood320 against the cross of the Lord. Then also does the prophet in vain declare, “They shall look on Him whom they have pierced, and mourn over themselves as over one be- loved.”321 These men, therefore, are not less unbelievers than were those that crucified Him. But as for me, I do not place my hopes in one who died for me in appearance, but in reality. For that which is false is quite abhorrent to the truth. Mary then did truly conceive a body which had God inhabiting it. And God the Word was truly born of the Virgin, having clothed Himself with a body of like passions with our own. He who forms all men in the womb, was Himself really in the womb, and made for Himself a body of the seed of the Virgin, but without any intercourse of man. He was carried in the womb, even as we are, for the usual period of time; and was really born, as we also are; and was in reality nourished with milk, and partook of common meat and drink, even as we do. And when He had lived among men for thirty years, He was baptized by John, really and not in appearance; and when He had preached the Gospel three years, and done signs and wonders, He who was Himself the Judge was judged by the Jews, falsely so called, and by Pilate the governor; was scourged, was smitten on the cheek, was spit upon; He wore a crown of thorns and a purple robe; He was condemned: He was crucified in reality, and not in appearance, not in imagination, not in deceit. He really died, and was buried, and rose from the dead, even as He prayed in a certain place, saying, “But do Thou, O Lord, raise me up again, and I shall recompense them.”322 And the Father, who always hears Him,323 answered and said, “Arise, O God, 316 Literally, “to fight with.” 317 Some read this and the following clause affirmatively, instead of interrogatively. 318 The meaning is, that is they spoke the truth concerning the phantasmal character of Christ’s death, then Ignatius was guilty of a practical falsehood in suffering for what was false. 319 Literally, “to fight with.” 320 The meaning is, that if they spoke the truth concerning the phantasmal character of Christ’s death, then Ignatius was guilty of a practical falsehood in suffering for what was false. 321 Zech. xii. 10. 322 Ps. xli. 10. 323 Comp. John xi. 42. Chapter X.—The reality of Christ’s passion. 193 Chapter X.—The reality of Christ’s passion.