Tertullian · a new plain-English translation from the original language
[1] We know, moreover, that prophecy comes as much through deeds as through words: the resurrection is preached as much by what is said as by what is done. When Moses thrusts his hand inside the fold of his garment and pulls it forth dead, then tucks it back and reveals it living once more, does this not signify something concerning the whole of man? [2] For a threefold power of God was marked out by those three signs in their order: first, that it would subdue the devil — the serpent — however terrifying he might be, to man; then, that it would recall the flesh out from death's embrace; and so, that it would finally exact a reckoning for all blood. [3] Of which, through the same prophet: "For your blood too," says God, "will I require of all the beasts, and of the hand of man and of the hand of his brother will I require it." [4] Now nothing is required except what is demanded back, nothing is demanded back except what will also be restored, and certainly what is demanded and required under the name of vengeance will be restored. For nothing can be avenged that has utterly ceased to exist; but it will exist again once it is restored, so that it may be avenged. So whatever is proclaimed in terms of blood points straight to the flesh, without which there is no blood. The flesh will be raised, so that the blood may be avenged. [5] There are also certain sayings pronounced in such a way that, while they lack the cloud of allegory, they still thirst for an interpretation of their own plain sense — such as this from Isaiah: "I put to death, and I bring to life." Surely after he has put to death he brings to life: so by death he slays, and by resurrection he restores to life. [6] Now it is the flesh that is killed by death: so it is the flesh, too, that will be made alive by resurrection. [7] Certainly, if to kill is, for the flesh, to have the soul torn away, then to make alive — its opposite — is to give the soul back to the flesh; the flesh must rise, since it is to it that the soul, torn away by the killing, must be restored by the making alive.