The Epistle Of Barnabas Summary

The Epistle of Barnabas is a Greek writing containing twenty-one chapters, preserved in complete form in the 4th century Codex Sinaiticus where it appears at the end of the New Testament. It is traditionally ascribed to the Barnabas who is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, although some ascribe it to another apostolic father of the same name, a "Barnabas of Alexandria," or simply to an unknown early Christian teacher. Toward the end of the second century, Clement of Alexandria cites the Epistle. Origen also appeals to it. At some points the Epistle seems quite Pauline, as with its concept of atonement, giving credence to the author being the Barnabas who was a companion of Paul. Eusebius, however, objected to it and the Epistle of Barnabas
His reference to “gnosis” is in an orthodox sense and is not to be confused with the heresy of Gnosticism. His polemics are mainly directed against the Judaizing Christians, such as the Ebionites and the Nazarenes. The separation of the Gentile Christians from observant Jews is clearly insisted upon. The covenant promises belong only to the Christians (Barnabas 4:6-8), and circumcision, and the entire Jewish sacrificial and ceremonial system are of no effect in salvation. According to the author's conception, the ceremonial observances of the Law are not injunctions but types pointing the Jews to look to Christ (chapters 9-10). He is a thorough opponent to Jewish legalism, but by no means antinomian. The author demonstrates that Jewish understanding of the Mosaic legislation (Torah) is completely incorrect and can now be considered superseded by the New Covenant. Barnabas is an important first century document because it corroborates the Gospel’s presentation of salvation-history. He writes that the Jewish scriptures in fact foreshadow Jesus and Christianity when rightly