To Florus 4.53

Although he was born from a virgin as a sign (compare Isaiah 7:14), he did not reject the male sex; rather, he assumed its reality. He was complete in every internal part, complete in body, a true human being, a perfect man, if we believe the apostle Peter’s discourse in Acts (Acts 2:22, 33). He was distinguished by unbroken chastity, guarding both mind and eyes without ever relaxing his heart’s strength. That he accomplished all this by strength of mind, not weakness of flesh, is witnessed by his sleep, food, beard, sweat, labor, cross, and the lance (compare Matthew 8:24; Luke 24:42–43; Isaiah 50:6; Luke 22:44; John 4:6; John 19:18, 34). These testify that the desire of the flesh, mingled with the senses of the whole body, and the reality, soundness, and natural condition of his members were present in him. He did not lack bodily sensations; he ruled them.

This is the ground on which the catholic faith challenges the nations and the Manichaeans: the message of his flesh, like that of his cross, is foolishness to those who perish, but God’s power to those who will be saved (compare 1 Corinthians 1:18). This is how he commended his love toward us (compare Romans 5:8): the Mediator’s devotion assumed everything that Manichaean impiety tears apart. Therefore nothing in my Lord makes me ashamed. I hold fast to the reality of the members he took on for my salvation, so that I may receive the solidity and strength of his example (Isaiah 7:14) (Matthew 8:24) (Luke 24:42–43) (Luke 22:44) (John 4:6) (John 19:18) (John 19:34) (1 Corinthians 1:18) (Romans 5:8).