Origin (185-232), Adversus
Celsus, Book 1, Chapter 35
The Lord is related to have spoken to Ahaz thus:
"Ask a sign for thyself
from the LORD thy God, either in the depth or height
above; " and
afterwards the sign is given, Behold, a virgin shall
conceive, and bear a
son." What kind of sign, then, would that have
been--a young woman
who was not a virgin giving birth to a child? And which
of the two is the
more appropriate as the mother of Immanuel (i.e.,
"God with us"),--whether
a woman who has had intercourse with a man, and who has
conceived
after the manner of women, or one who is still a
pure and holy virgin? ~
.
185-232