the sun which is to cease to exist, and is the work of His hands, their eyes are not able to bear his rays. The Son of God therefore came in the flesh with this view, that He might bring to a head the sum of their sins who had perse- cuted His prophets ' to the death. For this purpose, then, He endured. For God saith, "The stroke of his flesh is from them ; " ^ and ^ "when I shall smite the Shepherd, then the sheep of the flock shall be scattered." ■* He himself willed thus to suffer, for it was necessary that He should suffer on the tree. For says he who prophesies regarding Him, " Spare my soul from the sword, 5 fasten my flesh with nails ; for the assemblies of the wicked have risen up against me." ^ And again he says, " Behold, I have given my back to scourges, and my cheeks to strokes, and I have set my countenance as a firm rock." 7