so that everyone may see them—all the nations, with one accord—and recognize that they are the very word of God. Yet the Jews say, “We do indeed believe these prophecies, but their full realization will take place only when the Messiah comes. The Messiah has not yet come, and the one who did appear was not the Messiah.” Such is their claim, and it is enough that they persist in unbelief and add wanton transgression to that unbelief.

They even say, “The Messiah who appeared was himself astray and led others astray. The true Messiah is still destined to come; when he arrives he will bring the prophets’ predictions to completion. When he comes, we shall follow him and be his supporters.” This, then, is their view and belief concerning the Lord Messiah. What could be more grievous than the unbelief on which they stand?

For that reason this Scripture has called them “those who have incurred wrath,” because they contradict the word of God that He caused to be spoken by the mouths of the prophets. We Christians, on the other hand, holding fast to what the pure apostles commanded us, He has named in this same Scripture “those upon whom favor has been bestowed.”

As for our doctrine regarding God—that He is one God in three Persons—God Himself has spoken of it and made it clear in the Torah and in the books of the prophets. One proof is found in the very first book of the Torah, which says: