Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies 4.26.1

Therefore, if anyone reads the Scriptures with intent, he will find in them a message concerning Christ and a prefiguring of the new calling. For this is the treasure hidden in the field—that is, in this world, for the field is the world—and the treasure hidden in the Scriptures is Christ, since he was signified through types and parables. How could this reality which belongs to his humanity be understood before the consummation of those things that have been consummated arrived, that is, the advent of Christ? And because of this it was said to the prophet Daniel: "Seal the words, and seal the book until the time of consummation, until many learn and knowledge is fulfilled" (Daniel). For when the dispersion is perfected, all will know these things. Jeremiah also says: "In the last days they will understand these things" (Jeremiah). For every prophecy, before it has its effect, is signs and ambiguities to men. But when the time comes and what has been prophesied happens, then the prophecies have a clear and certain exposition. And because of this, to the Jews, when the Law is read in this present time, it is like fables; for they do not have the exposition of all things pertaining to the advent of the Son of God, who is according to humanity. But to Christians, when it is read, it is a treasure hidden in the field, revealed by the cross of Christ, and explained, giving meaning and showing the wisdom of God, and manifesting his dispositions toward humanity, preforming the kingdom of Christ, and pre-evangelizing and pre-announcing the heritage of the holy Jerusalem, since the one who loves God will profit so much that he will even see God and hear his voice, and from hearing him be glorified so much that others cannot gaze upon the face of his glory, just as it was said by Daniel: "Those who understand will shine like the brightness of the firmament, and the many righteous like the stars forever, and still" (Daniel). Just as we have shown, then, if someone reads the Scriptures: for the Lord so instructed his disciples after his resurrection from the dead, showing them from those very Scriptures that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to enter into his glory, and that in his name repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be preached in all the world. And the disciple will be perfected, becoming like a master of a household who brings forth from his treasure things new and old.