Against Celsus, preface 2

And indeed it was worthy of wonder, among those capable of even moderate understanding, that a man accused and falsely witnessed against, who was able to defend himself and to show himself guilty of no charge, and to recount the praises of his own life and of his mighty works as done by God, so as to give the judge a way to pronounce more favorably on him, did not do this, but despised his accusers and nobly disregarded them. That the judge would have released Jesus without hesitation if he had made a defense is clear from what is recorded of him, where he said: "Which of the two do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?" and from what the Scripture adds, saying: "For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over." Jesus, then, is always falsely witnessed against, and so long as there is wickedness among human beings there is no time when he is not accused. And he himself even now keeps silent before these things and makes no answer with his voice; but he makes his defense in the life of his genuine disciples, which cries out what really matters and is stronger than all false witness, refuting and overturning the false witnesses and accusations.