Oecumenius : Having therefore raised the discourse concerning the cross, and as if a pardon beyond forgiveness for those likewise deposed in a frenzy against Christ, as if engineering to unburden them of so great a weight, he says: But this one, having been dishonored by you and exalted by God, gave the spirit of repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins, not at all the skeptical criticism against him because of the cross, capable of leading to apostasy, since the one exalted by God is forgetful of injury toward those who, through persuasion, have acknowledged him. See how the Jews, being instructed both by deeds and by words, did not obey, and therefore their condemnation is just. By deeds indeed, consenting that the apostles be led into prisons, and marvelously released. By words also, so that the Jews through the apostles' speech might all be admonished. But the apostles themselves were also anointed to speak boldly. Some others were calmed and became sharers in the apostles' persuasive words. But the high priest and the rulers were enraged against the apostles, plotting against them, even seeking to slay them, since from this time their fury against Christ went forth more plainly, not from justice but from envy and leading them on to similar murder. Therefore they say, "And do you intend to bring upon us the blood of this man?" (Acts 5:28) calling it blood, that is, murder, just as God said to Cain, "The voice of your brother's blood," (Gen. 4:10) instead of "the murder." The Jews therefore spoke, seemingly sparing their own salvation, while hardening the multitude against the apostles. — Commentary on Acts Tertullian : But we, with but as poor a measure of understanding as of faith, are able to determine that that baptism was divine indeed, (yet in respect of the command, not in respect of efficacy too, in that we read that John was sent by the lord to perform this duty, ) but human in its nature: for it conveyed nothing celestial, but it fore-ministered to things celestial; being, to wit, appointed over repentance, which is in man's power. In fact, the doctors of the law and the Pharisees, who were unwilling to "believe," did not "repent" either. — On Baptism