Melito of Sardis, Peri Pascha (On the Pascha) §96c. AD 165 · [Second-Century Christian Homiletics]
Excerpt or editorial summary: He who hung the earth in place is hanged. He who fixed the heavens is fixed upon the cross. He who made all things fast is fastened to the tree. The Master is insulted. God is murdered. The King of Israel is slain by an Israelite hand...
Critical Analysis: An early poetic theological meditation on the crucifixion; it should not be treated as direct evidence for all seven sayings.
Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies III.18.5c. AD 180 · [Ante-Nicene Patristic]
Excerpt or editorial summary: And for this reason He said upon the cross: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' Showing that the Son of God is long-suffering and full of mercy, since He prayed even for those who crucified Him...
Critical Analysis: Provides second-century attestation for Luke 23:34 but does not by itself prove originality or explain omissions as deliberate deletion.
Tertullian, Against Praxeas ch. 30c. AD 210 · [Early Latin Patristic]
Excerpt or editorial summary: Tertullian discusses the cry of dereliction while arguing about the relation of Father, Son, flesh, and spirit.
Critical Analysis: Early Latin theological exposition explaining Jesus's cry of dereliction within a trinitarian framework.