Re: The Early Christians: Creed, Confession and Scripture

Chosen king of the world to come, he took up battle against the one who 
received the rulership for the present time, as it was ordained
beforehand. 
What grieved him most sorely was this, that he was attacked in ignorance
by 
the very people for whom he waged the fight as for his own children. And 
yet he loved those who hated him, mourned over those who did not believe
in 
him, blessed those who abused him, and prayed for his enemies. He not only

acted like a father himself, but he also taught his disciples to do the 
same in their attitude [toward others], to act toward them as toward their

own brothers. In this way he was a father, in this way a Prophet. Hence 
follows the expectation that in this way also he shall be king over his 
children and that a time of eternal peace shall break in by virtue of his 
fatherly love toward his children and of the indwelling reverence of the 
children toward their father.

Clementine Homelies III.19.