The Epistle of Barnabas

Date

• c. AD 70–135

Summary

The Epistle of Barnabas is an anonymous early Christian work traditionally associated with Barnabas, though it is not generally considered to have been written by Paul’s companion. The author interprets the Old Testament extensively through a Christian and often allegorical lens, arguing that its commandments ultimately point toward Christ and Christian life. The work concludes with a version of the “Two Ways” teaching also found in the Didache.

Memorable Quotations

Now then, the Lord has three decrees: life’s hope, the foundation and culmination of our faith; righteousness, the foundation and culmination of judgment; and love expressed through joy and celebration, proving righteous works.

---

Through all the prophets, He made clear that He wants neither sacrifices, burnt offerings, nor oblations, stating on one occasion;

---

The Lord judges the world without favoritism; everyone receives rewards matching their actions. Good people have their righteousness leading them; evil people face their deeds’ results ahead of them.

---

Joyful children, recognize that the benevolent Lord disclosed everything beforehand so we’d know whom to thank and honor in all matters.

---

Scripture records, “Abraham circumcised eighteen household males and three hundred.” What understanding was granted him? Recognize that eighteen comes first, followed by three hundred. Within eighteen, ‘I’ represents ten, ‘H’ represents eight. This reveals JESUS (IHSOYS). Since the cross symbolized in ‘T’ would bring grace, He mentions three hundred. He thus discloses Jesus through two letters and the cross through one remaining.

---

He referenced pork with this purpose: “Don’t associate,” he declares, “with people resembling swine.” Meaning, during prosperity they disregard the Lord, yet during hardship they acknowledge Him, just as swine ignores its owner while feeding but screams when starving, quieting once satisfied.

---

Lord Jesus. He was designated beforehand to rescue our hearts from darkness and mortality, and to plant the covenant within us through His message.

---

Genuine rest and sanctification will occur only after we ourselves achieve justification and obtain the promise, when wickedness vanishes and everything has been transformed by the Lord. Then we’ll be capable of consecrating the Sabbath since we’ll have been sanctified first.

Source

The Apostolic Fathers: Complete Collection of Early Church Fathers, Including Shepherd of Hermas, Didache, Epistles of Ignatius, Martyrdom of Polycarp, Clement, Barnabas, Diognetus and Commentary.

Compiled by Robert Kingswell Published by Eterna Verba Publishing.
Kindle edition.

Note: Quotations on this page are taken from this edition unless otherwise stated.