To Florus 4.86
But if there were a crime in nature, Peter’s statement would have been ignorant. He evidently judged it sufficient testimony to spotless holiness to clear Christ’s actions of crimes, although sin would be believed to dwell in him through natural poison. If Peter had thought anything of natural evil, he would therefore have mentioned this part more carefully and emphatically. He would have written, “Christ left us an example: he neither committed sin nor acquired the sin we inherit at birth.” (1 Peter 2:21–22) Then it could fittingly follow that no deceit was found in his mouth (compare 1 Peter 2:21–22). But if Peter had thought this, he would never have mentioned an example. For whom would he have presented for human beings to imitate if the nature of an alien flesh had set Christ apart, and a difference of substance had impeached the authority of his teaching?
Latin
At si esset in natura crimen, Petri erat imperita sententia, qui censuerat videlicet ad immaculatae sanctitatis testimonium posse sufficere, si actus eius a criminibus vindicaret; cum crederetur in eo habitare peccatum per naturale virus. Igitur si de naturali malo aliquid ille sensisset, sollicitius partem hanc commemorasset et pressius, ut scriberet, Christus nobis reliquit exemplum, qui peccatum nec fecit, nec quod nos trahimus nascendo, collegit; sicque merito sequeretur, inventum in ore eius dolum non esse. Porro si hoc putasset, numquam commemorationem fecisset exempli; quem enim hominibus esse ostenderet imitandum, si illum externae carnis natura discrevisset, et censuram magisterii substantiae diversitas arguisset?
About this text
Julian’s six preserved books to Florus, quoted section by section in Augustine’s unfinished reply. Augustine’s refutations are omitted. Latin of Julian’s words is on each section.
Julian’s own books do not survive as a separate manuscript. English follows his words as Augustine quotes them in the Unfinished Work Against Julian. Augustine’s replies are omitted. We do not restore a Julian text independent of Augustine.
Witnesses
- Copy-text Augustine, Unfinished Work Against Julian (Latin · Julian’s words as quoted, Books 1–6)
- Checked print Augustinus.it Latin of the Unfinished Work (Latin · Same work)
- Checked print Migne PL 45 (Latin · Hard cases)
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. Open Latin on each section (or the Latin source witness link) for the source text. This is not a complete critical edition.