But although it behoved Christ to suffer, yet they who crucified Him are guilty of inflicting the punishment. For they were not concerned to accomplish what God purposed. Therefore their execution of it was impious, but God’s purpose most wise, who converted their iniquity into a blessing upon mankind, using as it were the viper’s flesh for the working of a health-giving antidote.
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).
Also cites: lib. iii. Ep. 98.