Brief Notes on The Epistle of Barnabas

(Originally Written June 3, 2008 in the Journal)

The Epistle of Barnabas seems to have been written between 70 - 200 A.D. It is not believed that this Barnabas is the same Barnabas as Paul's companion.

The Epistle of Barnabas

"For on the way of righteousness I have had the companionship of the Lord" (Early Christian Writings, 159).

There are three principles of the Lord:
1. Faith
2. Hope
3. Love

The Lord has made known to us that He has no need of oblations and sacrifices. The Lord seeks us to give to the needy and give the Lord a contrite heart as sacrifice.

We as Christians are not to withdraw within ourselves and live in solitude. We must make ourselves into the temple of the Living God.

The Lord sanctified us by the remission of our sins in His death.

Ruin justly awaits those who know the way of Holiness but choose the way of Darkness.

The prophets of Israel can only be understood through their fulfillment in Christ Jesus.

Though Jesus Christ was fully God, He came into this world as a man and suffered so that His affliction would win life for us.

Moses spoke of the dietary laws for which the Israelites understood carnally, but we, as Christians, understand them spiritually.

There are two ways of teaching, two wielders of power: the light and the darkness.

To follow the Way of Light is to give glory to Him who redeemed you from death. The Way of Light is never marred by hypocrisy. The Way of Light loves its neighbor more than itself.

"Never do away with an unborn child, or destroy it after its birth" (Early Christian Writings, 180).

"Whatever experience comes your way, accept it as a blessing, in the certainty that nothing can happen without God" (Early Christian Writings, 180).

Be as pure as you can. Detest evil. Be generous. Do not come to prayer with a bad conscious.

The Way of Darkness is defiance of God. Those in the Way of Darkness are sunk in sin.