First Apology 55

But nowhere, in the case of any of the so-called sons of Zeus, did they imitate the being crucified; for it was not understood by them, since everything said about it had been spoken symbolically, as was shown before. And this, as the prophet foretold, is the greatest symbol of his power and rule, as is shown also from the things that fall under our sight. For consider everything in the world, whether it can be managed or have any communication without this figure. The sea is not cut unless this trophy, which is called a sail, stays safe on the ship; the earth is not plowed without it; diggers do not do their work, nor do craftsmen likewise, except with tools that have this shape. And the human form differs from the irrational animals in nothing else than that it is upright and has its hands stretched out, and bears on the face, extending from the forehead, what is called the nose, through which the living creature breathes; and this shows nothing other than the figure of the cross. And so it was said through the prophet thus: “A breath before our face is Christ the Lord.” And your own symbols show the power of this figure, I mean those of the standards and the trophies, with which your processions are made everywhere, showing in them the signs of rule and power, even if you do this without understanding it. And you set up the images of your emperors when they die on this figure, and name them gods in inscriptions. Since, then, we have urged you both by argument and by a visible figure, as far as we could, we know that we are free of blame from now on, even if you do not believe; for our part has been done and finished.