Irenaeus of Lyons · a new plain-English translation from the original language
That the Lord, in healing on the Sabbath, acted according to the Law. For the Lord was releasing his own people from their fetters and summoning them toward salvation, just as he did with the woman he cured, saying openly to those lacking a trust resembling Abraham's: Hypocrite, should not this one too, being bound eight years, be released from her bond even on a Sabbath? It is evident, then, that he set free and restored to life those who trusted in him just as Abraham had, violating no precept of the Law by healing on a Sabbath. For the Law never barred the curing of men upon the Sabbath — that very Law which had them circumcised on that day, and commanded the priests to carry out the services for the people; nor did it forbid the healing of dumb animals. And at Siloam, too, he often healed on the Sabbath; and for this reason many sat by him on the Sabbath day. For the Law commanded them to abstain on that day from every servile work — that is, from every kind of greed carried on through trade and other earthly business — but it urged the works of the soul, done through good judgment and good words, for the help of those who are near, to be carried out. And for this reason the Lord rebuked those who unjustly reproached him for healing on the Sabbath. For he was not destroying but fulfilling the Law, carrying out the works of the high priest, making atonement to God for men, cleansing lepers, healing the sick, and himself dying so that man, once banished, might go forth from condemnation and return fearlessly to his own inheritance.