Clement of Rome, on Phil 2:30

“Because for the work of Christ he came to the point of death: delivering his life, that he might fulfill that which on your part was wanting towards my service.”

“To bring forward some examples from among the heathen: Many kings and princes, in times of pestilence, when they had been instructed by an oracle, have given themselves up to death, in order that by their own blood they might deliver their fellow citizens [from destruction]. Many have gone forth from their own cities, that so sedition might be brought to an end within them. We know many among ourselves who have given themselves up to bonds, in order that they might ransom others. Many, too, have surrendered themselves to slavery, that with the price which they received for themselves, they might provide food for others.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.