Ephesians 5:25

Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp

In like manner also, exhort my brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, that they love their wives, even as the Lord the Church.[30]

Tertullian Against Marcion Book V

and again, in like manner: "He who loveth his wife, loveth his own flesh, even as Christ loved the Church."[839]

Cyprian Epistle LXXIII

But if regeneration is in the washing, that is, in baptism, how can heresy, which is not the spouse of Christ, generate sons to God by Christ? For it is the Church alone which, conjoined and united with Christ, spiritually bears sons; as the same apostle again says, "Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify it, cleansing it with the washing of water."[14]

Methodius Discourse III. Thaleia

of water by the Word,"[37]