require explanation; but I think that things which are so clear should compel even enemies, against their will, to understand them." In a similar manner he expresses himself in: _De consensu Evangelistarum_ l. i. c. 31. _Theodoret_ remarks on this passage (_opp. ed. Hal._ t. ii. p. 358): "The Prophet represents to us, in this passage, the whole course of His (Christ's) humiliation unto death. Most wonderful is the power of the Holy Spirit. For that which was to take place after many generations. He showed [Pg 321] to the holy prophets in such a manner that they did not merely hear Him declare these things, but saw them." In a similar manner, _Justin_, _Irenaeus_, _Cyril_ of Alexandria, and _Jerome_, express themselves. From the Churches of the Reformation, we shall here quote the testimonies of two of their founders only. _Zwingle_, in _Annot. ad h. l._ (opp. t. iii. Tur. 1544, fol. 292) says: "That which now follows is so clear a testimony of Christ, that I do not know whether, anywhere in Scripture, there could be found anything more consistent, or that anything could be more distinctly said. For it is quite in vain that the obstinacy and perversity of the Jews have tried it from all sides." _Luther_ remarks on the passage: "And, no doubt, there is not, in all the Old Testament Scriptures, a clearer text or prophecy, both of the suffering and the resurrection of Christ, than in this chapter. Wherefore it is but right that it should be well known to all Christians, yea should be committed to memory, that thereby we may strengthen our faith, and defend it, chiefly against the stiff-necked Jews who deny their only promised Christ, solely on account of the offence of His cross." It was reserved to the last quarter of the last century to be the first to reject the Messianic interpretation. _At a time when Naturalism exercised its sway, it could no longer be retained._[1] For, if this passage contains a Messianic prophecy at all, its contents offer so striking an agreement with the history of Christ, that its origin cannot at all be accounted for in the natural way. Expedients were, therefore, sought for; and these were so much the more easily found, that the Jews had, in this matter, already opened up the way. All that was necessary, was only to appropriate their arguments and counter-arguments, and to invest them with the semblance of solidity by means of a learned apparatus.