THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF

BARNABAS
Barnabas was a companion and fellow-preacher with Paul. This Epistle lays a
greater claim to canonical authority than most others. It has been cited by
Clemens, Alexandrinus, Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome, and many ancient
Fathers. Cotelerius affirms that Origen and Jerome esteemed it genuine and
canonical; but Cotelerius himself did not believe it to be either one or the other;
on the contrary, he supposes it was written for the benefit of the Ebionites, (the
christianized Jews,) who were tenacious of rites and ceremonies. Bishop Fell
feared to own expressly what he seemed to be persuaded of, that it ought to be
treated with the same respect as several of the books of the present canon. Dr.
Bernard, Savilian professor at Oxford, not only believed it to be genuine, but
that it was read throughout in the churches of Alexandria, as the canonical
Scriptures were. Dodwell supposed it to have been published before the Epistle
of Jude, and the writings of both the Johns. Vossius, Dupuis, Dr. Cane, Dr. Mill,
Dr, S. Clark, Whitson, and Archbishop Wake also esteemed it genuine: Menardus,
Archbishop Land, Spanheim, and others deemed it apocryphal.

CHAPTER I. think verily that I love you above

Preface to the Epistle. my own soul; because that therein
ALL happiness to you my sons and dwelleth the greatness of faith and
daughters, in the name of our Lord charity, as also the hope of that life
Jesus Christ, who loved us, in which is to come.
peace. 6 Wherefore considering this, that
2 Having perceived abundance of if I shall take care to communicate
knowledge of the great and to you a part of what I have
excellent laws of God to be in you, received, it shall turn to my reward,
I exceedingly rejoice in your that I have served such good souls.
blessed and admirable souls, I gave diligence to write in a few
because ye have so worthily words unto you; that together with
received the grace which was your faith, your knowledge also
grafted in you. may be perfect.
3 For which cause I am full of joy, 7 There are therefore three things
hoping the rather to be saved; ordained by the Lord; the hope of
inasmuch as I truly see a spirit life, the beginning, and the
infused into you, from the pure completion of it.
fountain of God: 8 For the Lord hath both declared
4 Having this persuasion, and unto us, by the prophets, those
being fully convinced thereof, things that are past; and opened to
because that since I have begun to us the beginnings of those that are
speak unto you, I have had a more to come.
than ordinary good success in the 9 Wherefore, it will behove us, as
way of the law of the Lord, which he has spoken, to come more holily,
is in Christ, and nearer to his altar.
5 For which cause brethren, I also 10 I therefore, not as a teacher but

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as one of you, will endeavour to lay and your appointed feasts my soul
before you a few things by which hateth.
you may, on many accounts, 8 These things therefore hath God
become the more joyful. abolished, that the new law of our
Lord Jesus Christ, which is without
CHAPTER II. the yoke of any such necessity,
That God has abolished the legal might have the spiritual offering of,
sacrifices, to introduce the men themselves.
spiritual righteousness of the 9 For so the Lord saith again to
Gospel. those heretofore; Did I at all
SEEING then the days are command your fathers when they
exceedingly evil, and the adversary came out of the land of Egypt
has got the power of this present concerning burnt-offerings of
world we ought to give the more sacrifices?
diligence to inquire into the 10 But this I commanded them,
righteous judgments of the Lord. saying, Let none of you imagine
2 Now the assistants of our faith evil in your hearts against his
are fear and patience; our fellow- neighbour, and love no false oath.
combatants, long suffering and 11 Forasmuch then as we are not
continence. without understanding, we ought to
3 Whilst these remain pure in what apprehend the design of our
relates unto the Lord, wisdom, and merciful Father. For he speaks to
understanding, and science, and us, being willing that we who have
knowledge, rejoice together with been in the same error about the
them. sacrifices, should seek and find
4 For God has manifested to us by how to approach unto him.
all the prophets, that he has no 12 And therefore he thus bespeaks
occasion for our sacrifices, or us, The sacrifice of God (is a
burnt-offerings, or oblations: broken spirit,) a broken and contrite
saying thus; To what purpose is the heart—God will not despise.
multitude of your sacrifices unto 13 Wherefore brethren, we ought
me, saith the Lord. the more diligently to inquire after
5 I am full of the burnt-offerings those things that belong to our
of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; salvation, that the adversary may
and I delight not in the blood of not have any entrance into us, and
bullocks, or of he-goats. deprive us of our spiritual life.
6 When ye come to appear before 14 Wherefore he again speaketh to
me, who hath required this at your them, concerning these things; Ye
hands? Ye shall no more tread my shall not fast as ye do this day, to
courts. make your voice to be heard on
7 Bring no more vain oblations, high.
incense is an abomination unto me 15 Is it such a fast that I have
your new moons and sabbaths, and chosen? A day for a man to afflict
the calling of assemblies I cannot his soul? Is it to bow down his head
bear with, it is iniquity, even the like a bulrush, and to spread
solemn meeting; your new moons sackcloth and ashes under him?

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Wilt thou call this a fast, and an pass, we should write to you what
acceptable day to the Lord? may serve to keep you whole.
16 But to us he saith on this wise: 2 To which end, let us flee from
Is not this the fast that I have every evil work and hate the errors
chosen, to loose the bands of of the present time, that we may be
wickedness, to undo the heavy happy in that which is to come.
burdens, and to let the oppressed go 3 Let us not give ourselves the
free: and that ye break every yoke? liberty of disputing with the wicked
17 Is it not to deal thy bread to the and sinners; lest we should chance
hungry, and that thou bring the poor in time to become like unto them.
that are cast out to thy house? 4 For the consummation of sin is
When thou seest the naked that thou come, as it is written, as the
cover him, and that thou hide not prophet Daniel says. And for this
thyself from thy own flesh. end the Lord hath shortened the
18 Then shall thy light break forth times and the days, that his beloved
as the morning, and thy health shall might hasten his corning to his
spring forth speedily; and thy inheritance.
righteousness shall go before thee; 5 For so the prophet speaks; There
the glory of the Lord shall be thy shall ten kings reign in the heart,
reward. and there shall rise last of all
19 Then shalt thou call and the another little one, and he shall
Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry humble three kings.
and he shall say, Here I am; if thou 6 And again Daniel speaks in like
put away from the midst of thee the manner concerning the kingdoms;
yoke; the putting forth of the and I saw the fourth beast dreadful
finger, and speaking vanity; and if and terrible, and strong
thou draw out thy soul to the exceedingly; and it had ten horns. I
hungry; and satisfy the afflicted considered the horns, and behold
soul. there came up among them another
20 In this, therefore, brethren, God little horn, before which were three
has manifested his foreknowledge of the first horns plucked up by the
and love for us; because the people roots.
which he has purchased to his 7 We ought therefore to understand
beloved Son were to believe in this also: And I beseech you, as one
sincerity; and therefore he has of your own brethren, loving you
shown these things to all of us, that all beyond my own life, that you
we should not run as proselytes to look well to yourselves, and be not
the Jewish Law. like to those who add sin to sin, and
say; That their covenant is ours
CHAPTER III. also. Nay, but it is ours only: for
The prophecies of Daniel they have forever lost that which
concerning the ten kings, and the Moses received.
coming of Christ. 8 For thus saith the Scripture: And
WHEREFORE it is necessary that Moses continued fasting forty days
searching diligently into those and forty nights in the Mount; and
things which are soon to come to he received the covenant from the

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Lord, even the two tables of stone, wicked, the reward of his
written by the hand of God. wickedness shall follow him.
9 But having turned themselves to 15 Take heed therefore lest sitting
idols they lost it; as the Lord also still now, that when we are called,
said to Moses; Moses, go down we fall asleep in our sins; and the
quickly, for thy people which thou wicked one getting the dominion
hast brought forth out of Egypt, over us, stir us up, and shut us out
have corrupted themselves, and of the kingdom of the Lord.
turned aside from the way which I 16 Consider this also: although you
commanded them. And Moses cast have seen so great signs and
the two tables out of his hands; and wonders done among the people of
their covenant was broken; that the the Jews, yet this notwithstanding
love of Jesus might be sealed in the Lord hath forsaken them.
your hearts, unto the hope of his 17 Beware, therefore, lest it
faith. happen to us; as it is written: There
10 Wherefore let us give heed unto may be many called, but few
the last times. For all the time past chosen.
of our life and our faith, will profit
us nothing; unless we continue to CHAPTER IV.
hate what is evil, and to withstand That Christ was to suffer is proved
the future temptations. So the Son from the prophecies concerning
of God tells us; Let us resist all him.
iniquity and hate it. FOR this cause did our Lord
11 Wherefore consider the works vouchsafe to give up his body to
of the evil way. Do not withdraw destruction, that through the
yourselves from others as if you forgiveness of our sins we might be
were already justified; but coming sanctified; that is, by the sprinkling
altogether into one place, inquire of his blood.
what is agreeable to and profitable 2 Now for what concerns the things
for the beloved of God. For the that are written about him, some
Scripture saith; Woe unto them that belong to the people of the Jews,
are wise in their own eyes; and and some to us.
prudent in their sight. 3 For thus saith the Scripture; He
12 Let us become spiritually a was wounded for our
perfect temple to God. As much as transgressions, he was bruised for
in us lies let us meditate upon the our iniquities, and by his blood we
fear of God; and strive to the are healed. He was led as a lamb to
utmost of our power to keep his the slaughter, and as a sheep before
commandments; that we may rejoice his shearers is dumb, so he opened
in his righteous judgments. not his mouth.
13 For God will judge the world 4 Wherefore we ought the more to
without respect of persons and give thanks unto God, for that he
everyone shall receive according to hath both declared unto us what is
his works. passed, and not suffered us to be
14 If a man shall be good, his without understanding of those
righteousness shall go before him if things that are to come.

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5 But to them he saith; The nets 13 Then he clearly manifested

are not unjustly spread for the himself to be the Son of God. For
birds. had he not come in the flesh, how
6 This he spake, because a man should men have been able to look
will justly perish, if having the upon him, that they might be saved?
knowledge of the way of truth, he 14 Seeing that if they beheld only
shall nevertheless not refrain the sun, which was the work of his
himself from the way of darkness. hands, and shall hereafter cease to
7 And for this cause the Lord was be, they are not able to endure
content to suffer for our souls, stedfastly to look against the rays
although he be the Lord of the of it;
whole earth; to whom God said 15 Wherefore the Son of God came
before the beginning of the world, in the flesh for this cause, that he
Let us make man after our own might fill up the measure of their
image and likeness. iniquity, who have persecuted his
8 Now how he suffered for us, prophets unto death. And for the
seeing it was by men that he same reason also he suffered.
underwent it, I will shew you. 16 For God hath said of the stripes
9 The prophets having received of his flesh, that they were from
from him the gifts of prophecy, them. And, I will smite the
spake before concerning him: shepherd, and the sheep of the flock
10 But he, that he might abolish shall be scattered.
death, and make known the 17 Thus he would suffer, because it
resurrection from the dead, was behoved him to suffer upon the
content, as it was necessary, to cross.
appear in the flesh, that he might 18 For thus one saith, prophesying
make good the promise before given concerning him; Spare my soul
to our fathers, and preparing from the sword. And again, My
himself a new people, might flesh trembleth for fear.
demonstrate to them whilst he was 19 And again, the congregation of
upon earth, that after the wicked doers rose up against me,
resurrection he would judge the (They have pierced my hands and
world. my feet).
11 And finally, teaching the people 20 And again he saith, I gave my
of Israel, and doing many wonders back to the smiters, and my face I
and signs among them, he preached set as a hard rock.
to them, and shewed the exceeding
great love which he bare towards CHAPTER V.
them. The subject continued.
12 And when he chose his apostles, AND when he had fulfilled the
which were afterwards to publish commandment of God, What says
his Gospel, he took men who had he? Who will contend with me? Let
been very great sinners; that him stand against me or who is he
thereby he might plainly shew That that will implead me? Let him draw
he came not to call the righteous near to the servant of the Lord. Woe
but sinners to repentance. be to you! Because ye shall all wax

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old as a garment, the moth shall eat and possess it; a land flowing with
you up. milk and honey.
2 And again adds the prophet, He 9 Now what the spiritual meaning
is put for a stone of stumbling. of this is, learn; It is as if it had
Behold I lay in Zion for a been said, Put your trust in Jesus,
foundation, a precious stone a who shall be manifested to you in
choice corner-stone; an honourable the flesh. For man is the earth
stone. And what follows? And he which suffers: forasmuch as out of
that hopeth in him shall live for the substance of the earth Adam
ever. was formed.
3 What then? Is our hope built 10 What therefore does he mean
upon a stone? God forbid. But when he says, Into a good land
because the Lord hath hardened his flowing with milk and honey?
flesh against sufferings, he saith, I Blessed be our Lord, who has given
have put me as a firm rock. us wisdom, and a heart to
4 And again the prophet adds; The understand his secrets. For so says
stone which the builders refused the prophet, "Who shall understand
has become the head of the corner. the hard sayings of the Lord? But
And again he saith This is the great he that is wise, and intelligent, and
and wonderful day which the Lord that loves his Lord."
hath made. I write these things the 11 Seeing therefore he has renewed
more plainly to you that ye may us by the remission of our sins, he
understand: I For indeed I could be has put us into another frame, that
content even to die for your sakes. we should have souls like those of
5 But what saith the prophet again; children, forming us again himself
The counsel of the wicked by the spirit.
encompassed me about. They came 12 For thus the Scripture saith
about me, as bees about the honey- concerning us, where it introduceth
comb: and, Upon my vesture they the Father speaking to the Son; Let
cast lots. us make man after our likeness and
6 Forasmuch then as our Saviour similitude; and let them have
was to appear in the flesh and dominion over the beasts of the
suffer, his passion was hereby earth, and over the fowls of the air,
foretold. and the fish of the sea.
7 For thus saith the prophet against 13 And when the Lord saw the man
Israel: "Woe be to their soul which he had formed, that behold
because they have taken wicked he was very good; he said, Increase
counsel against themselves, saying; and multiply, and replenish the
let us lay snares for the righteous, earth. And this he spake to his son.
because he is unprofitable to us." 14 I will now show you, how he
8 Moses also in like manner made us a new creature, in the
speaketh to them; Behold thus saith latter days.
the Lord God; Enter ye into the 15 The Lord saith; Behold I will
good land of which the Lord hath make the last as the first.
sworn to Abraham, and Isaac, and Wherefore the prophet thus spake,
Jacob, that he would give it you, Enter into the land flowing with

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milk and honey, and have dominion become perfect, that we may be
over it. made the inheritors of the covenant
16 Wherefore ye see how we are of the Lord.
again formed anew; as also he
speaks by another prophet; Behold CHAPTER VI.
saith the Lord, I will take from The sacrifice of Jesus, and of a
them; that is, from those whom the goat, an evident type of Christ
spirit of the Lord foresaw, their crucified.
hearts of stone, and I will put into UNDERSTAND then my beloved
them hearts of flesh. children, that the good God hath
17 Because he was about to be before manifested all things unto
made manifest in the flesh and to us, that we might know to whom we
dwell in us. ought always to give thanks and
18 For, my brethren, the habitation praise.
of our heart is a holy temple unto 2 If therefore the Son of God who
the Lord. For the prophet saith is the Lord of all, and shall come to
again, In what place shall I appear judge both the quick and dead, hath
before the Lord my God, and be suffered, that by his stripes we
glorified? might live; let us believe that the
19 He answers I will confess unto Son of God could not have suffered
thee in the congregation in the but for us. But being crucified, they
midst of my brethren; and will sing gave him vinegar and gall to drink.
unto thee in the church of the 3 Hear therefore how the priests of
saints: the temple did foreshow this also:
20 Wherefore we are they whom he the Lord by his command which
has brought into that good land. was written, declared that
21 But what signifies the milk and whosoever did not fast the
honey? Because as the child is appointed fast he should die the
nourished first with milk, and then death: because he also was himself
with honey; so we being kept alive one day to offer up his body for our
by the belief of his promises and sins; that so the type of what was
his word, shall live and have done in Isaac might be fulfilled,
dominion over the land. who was offered upon the altar.
22 For he foretold before, saying, 4 What therefore is it that he says
increase and multiply, and have by the prophet? And let them eat of
dominion over the beasts, fishes, the goat which is offered in the day
and birds. of the fast for all their sins.
23 But who is there that is now Hearken diligently, (my brethren,)
able to have this dominion over the and all the priests, and they only
wild beasts, or fishes, or fowls of shall eat the inwards not washed
the air? For you know that to rule, with vinegar.
is to have power; that a man should 5 Why so? because I know that
be set over what he rules. when I shall hereafter offer my
24 But forasmuch as this we have flesh for the sins of a new people,
not now, he tells us when we shall ye will give me vinegar to drink
have it; namely, when we shall mixed with gall; therefore do ye

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only eat, the people fasting the the clouds of heaven), they may be
while, and lamenting in sackcloth amazed at the likeness of the goats.
and ashes. 13 Wherefore ye here again see a
6 And that he might foreshow that type of Jesus who was to suffer for
he was to suffer for them, hear then us.
how he appointed it. 14 But what then signifies this,
7 Take, says he, two goats, fair and That the wool was to be put into the
alike, and offer them; and let the midst of the thorns?
high priest take one of them for a 15 This also is a figure of Jesus,
burnt offering. And what shalt be set out to the church. For as he who
done with the other? Let it, says he, would take away the scarlet wool
be accursed. must undergo many difficulties,
8 Consider how exactly this because that thorn was very sharp,
appears to have been a type of and with difficulty get it: So, says
Jesus. And let all the congregation Christ, they that will see me, and
spit upon it, and prick it; and put come to my kingdom, must through
the scarlet wool about its head; and many afflictions and troubles attain
thus let it be carried forth into the unto me.
wilderness.
9 And this being done, he that was CHAPTER VII.
appointed to convey the goat, led it The red heifer, another type of
into the wilderness, and took away Christ.
the scarlet wool, and put it upon a BUT what type do ye suppose it to
thorn bush, whose young sprouts, have been, where it is commanded
when we find them in the field, we to the people of Israel, that grown
are wont to eat: so the fruit of that persons in whom sins are come to
thorn only is sweet. perfection, should offer an heifer,
10 And to what end was this and after they had killed it should
ceremony? Consider; one was burn the same;
offered upon the altar, the other 2 But then young men should take
was accursed. up the ashes and put them in
11 And why was that which was vessels; and tie a piece of scarlet
accursed crowned? Because they wool and hyssop upon a stick, and
shall see Christ on that day having so the young men should sprinkle
a scarlet garment about his body; every one of the people, and they
and shall say: Is not this he whom should be clear from their sins?
we crucified; having despised him, 3 Consider how all these are
pierced him, mocked him? delivered in a figure to us.
Certainly, this is he, who then said, 4 This heifer is Jesus Christ; the
that he was the Son of God. wicked men that were to offer it are
12 As therefore he shall be then those sinners who brought him to
like to what he was on earth, so death; who afterwards have no more
were the Jews heretofore to do with it: for the sinners have
commanded, to take two goats fair no more the honour of handling it:
and equal; that when they shall see 5 But the young men that
(our Saviour) hereafter coming (in performed the sprinkling, signified

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those who preach to us the Circumcise your hearts, saith the

forgiveness of sins, and the Lord.
purification of the heart, to whom 3 And again be saith, Hear O
the Lord gave authority to preach Israel! For thus saith the Lord thy
his Gospel: being at the beginning God. And again the Spirit of God
twelve, to signify the tribes, prophesieth, saying: Who is there
because there were twelve tribes of that would live for ever, let him
Israel. hear the voice of my Son.
6 But why were there three young 4 And again, Hear, O Heavens, and
men appointed to sprinkle? To give ear O Earth! Because the Lord
denote Abraham, and Isaac, and has spoken these things for a
Jacob, because they were great witness.
before God. 5 And again, he saith, Hear the
7 And why was the wool put upon a word of the Lord, ye princes of the
stick? Because the kingdom of people. And again, Hear O children!
Jesus was founded upon the cross; The voice of one crying in the
and therefore they that put their wilderness.
trust in him, shall live for ever. 6 Wherefore he has circumcised
8 But why was the wool and our ears, that we should hear his
hyssop put together? To signify that word, and believe. But as for that
in the kingdom of Christ there shall circumcision, in which the Jews
be evil and filthy days, in which trust, it is abolished: for the
however, we shall be saved; and circumcision of which God spake,
because he that has any disease in was not of the flesh.
the flesh by some filthy humours, is 7 But they have transgressed his
cured by hyssop. commands, because the evil one
9 Wherefore these things being hath deceived them. For thus God
thus done, are to us indeed evident, bespeaks them; Thus saith the Lord
but to the Jews they are obscure; your God, (Here I find the new law)
because they hearkened not unto the Sow not among thorns; but
voice of the Lord. circumcise yourselves to the Lord
your God. And what doth he mean
CHAPTER VIII. by this saying? Hearken unto your
Of the circumcision of the ears; Lord.
and how in the first institution of 8 And again he saith, Circumcise
circumcision Abraham mystically the hardness of your heart, and
foretold Christ by name. harden not your neck. And again,
AND therefore the Scripture again Behold, saith the Lord, all the
speaks concerning our ears, that nations are uncircumcised, (they
God has circumcised them, together have not lost their fore-skin): but
with our hearts. For thus saith the this people is uncircumcised in
Lord by the holy prophet: By the heart.
hearing of the ear they obeyed me. 9 But you will say the Jews were
2 And again, They who are afar circumcised for a sign. And so are
off, shall hear and understand what all the Syrians and Arabians, and
things I have done. And again, all the idolatrous priests: but are

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they therefore of the covenant of the book of Deuteronomy, And I

Israel? And even the Egyptians will give my statutes unto this
themselves are circumcised. people. Wherefore it is not the
10 Understand therefore, children, command of God that they should
these things more fully, that not eat these things; but Moses in
Abraham was the first, that brought the spirit spake unto them.
in circumcision, looking forward in 3 Now the sow he forbad them to
the Spirit, to Jesus; circumcised, eat; meaning thus much: Thou shalt
having received the mystery of not join thyself to such persons as
three letters. are like unto swine, who, whilst
11 For the Scripture says that they live in pleasure, forget their
Abraham circumcised three hundred God; but when any want pinches
and eighteen men of his house. But them, then they know the Lord: as
what therefore was the mystery that the sow when she is full knows not
was made known unto him! her master, but when she is hungry
12 Mark, first the eighteen, and she makes a noise; and being again
next the three hundred. For the fed, is silent.
numeral letters of ten and eight are 4 Neither, says he, shalt thou eat
T H. And these denote Jesus. the eagle, nor the hawk, nor the
13 And because the cross was that kite, nor the crow; that is, thou
by which we were to find grace, shalt not keep company with such
therefore he adds, three hundred; kind of men as know not how by
the note of which is T (the figure of their labour and sweat to get
his cross). Wherefore by two letters themselves food; but injuriously
he signified Jesus, and by the third ravish away the things of others,
his cross. and watch how to lay snares for
14 He who has put the engrafted them; when at the same time they
gift of his doctrine within us, appear to live in perfect innocence.
knows that I never taught to anyone 3 So these birds alone (seek not
a more certain truth: but I trust that food for themselves,) but sitting
ye are worthy of it. idle, seek how they may eat of the
flesh others have provided being
CHAPTER IX. destructive through their
That the commands of Moses wickedness.
concerning clean and unclean 6 Neither, says he, shalt thou eat
beasts, were all designed for a the lamprey, nor the polypus, nor
spiritual signification. the cuttle-fish; that is thou shalt not
BUT why did Moses say Ye shall be like such men, by seeking to
not eat of the swine, neither the converse with them who are
eagle nor the hawk; nor the crow; altogether wicked and adjudged to
nor any fish that has not a scale death. For so those fishes are alone
upon him?—I answer that, in the accursed, that wallow in the mire,
spiritual sense, he comprehended nor swim as other fishes, but
three doctrines, that were to be tumble in the dirt at the bottom of
gathered from thence. the deep.
2 Besides which he says to them in 7 But, he adds, neither shalt thou

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eat of the hare. To what end?—To and watch that they may devour.
signify this to us; Thou shalt not be 15 Here you have the law
an adulterer, nor liken thyself to concerning meat perfectly set forth
such persons. For the hare every and according to the true
year multiplies the places of its knowledge of it.
conception; and as many years as it 16 But, says Moses, ye shall eat all
lives, so many it has. that divideth the hoof, and cheweth
8 Neither shalt thou eat of the the cud. Signifying thereby such an
hyena: that is, again, be not an one as having taken his food, knows
adulterer, nor a corrupter of others; him that nourisheth him; and
neither be like to such. And resting upon him, rejoiceth in him.
wherefore so?—Because that 17 And in this he spake well,
creature every year changes its having respect to the
kind, which is sometimes male and commandment. What, therefore, is
sometimes female. it that he says?—That we should
9 For which cause also he justly hold fast to them that fear the Lord;
hated the weazel; to the end that with those who meditate on the
they should not be like such command of the word which they
persons who with their mouths have received, in their heart; with
commit wickedness by reason of those that declare the righteous
their uncleanness; nor join judgments of the Lord, and keep his
themselves with those impure commandments;
women, who with their mouths 18 In short, with those who know
commit wickedness. Because that that to meditate is a work of
animal conceives with its mouth. pleasure, and therefore exercise
10 Moses, therefore, speaking as themselves in the word of the Lord.
concerning meats, delivered indeed 19 But why might they eat those
three great precepts to them in the that clave the hoof? Because the
spiritual signification of those righteous liveth in this present
commands. But they according to world; but his expectation is fixed
the desires of the flesh, understood upon the other. See, brethren, how
him as if he had only meant it of admirably Moses commanded these
meats. things.
11 And therefore David took aright 20 But how should we thus know
the knowledge of his three-fold all this, and understand it? We,
command, saying in like manner: therefore, understanding aright the
12 Blessed is the man that hath not commandments, speak as the Lord
walked in the counsel of the would have us. Wherefore he has
ungodly; as the fishes before circumcised our ears and our hearts,
mentioned in the bottom of the that we might know these things.
deep, in darkness.
13 Nor stood in the way of sinners, CHAPTER X.
as they who seem to fear the Lord, Baptism and the cross of Christ
but yet sin, as the sow. foretold in figures under the law.
14 And hath not sat in the seat of LET us now inquire whether the
the scorners; as those birds who sit Lord took care to manifest anything

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beforehand concerning water and 9 Therefore the ungodly shall not

the cross. stand in the judgment, neither the
2 Now for the former of these, it is sinners in the council of the
written to the people of Israel how righteous. For the Lord knoweth the
they shall not receive that baptism way of the righteous, and the way
which brings to forgiveness of sins; of the ungodly shall perish.
but shall institute another to 10 Consider how he has joined
themselves that cannot. both the cross and the water
3 For thus saith the prophet: Be together.
astonished, O Heaven! and let the 11 For this he saith: Blessed are
earth tremble at it, because this they who put their trust in the
people have done two great and cross, and descend into the water;
wicked things: they have left me, for they shall have their reward in
the fountain of living water, and due time: then, saith he, will I give
have digged for themselves broken it them.
cisterns, that can hold no water. 12 But as concerning the present
4 Is my holy mountain of Zion, a time, he saith, their leaves shall not
desolate wilderness? For ye shall be fall: meaning thereby, that every
as a young bird when its nest is word that shall go out of your
taken away. mouth, shall through faith and
5 And again the prophet saith, I charity be to the conversion and
will go before thee, and will make hope of many.
plain the mountains, and will break 13 In like manner doth another
the gates of brass, and will snap in prophet speak. And the land of
sunder the bars of iron; and will Jacob was the praise of all the
give thee dark, and hidden, and earth; magnifying thereby the
invisible treasures, that they may vessel of his spirit.
know that I am the Lord God. 14 And what follows?—And there
6 And again: he shall dwell in the was a river running on the right
high den of the strong rock. And hand, and beautiful trees grew up
then, what follows in the same by it; and he that shall eat of them
prophet? His water is faithful; ye shall live for ever. The signification
shall see the king with glory, and of which is this that we go down
your soul shall learn the fear of the into the water full of sins and
Lord. pollutions, but come up again,
7 And again he saith in another bringing forth fruit; having in our
prophet: He that does these things; hearts the fear and hope which is in
I shall be like a tree planted by the Jesus, by the spirit. And whosoever
currents of water, which shall give shall eat of them shall live for ever.
its fruit in its season. Its leaf also 15 That is, whosoever shall
shall not wither, and whatsoever he hearken to those who call them, and
doth it shall prosper. shall believe, shall live for ever.
8 As for the wicked it is not so
with them; but they are as the dust CHAPTER XI.
which the wind scattereth away The subject continued.
from the face of the earth. IN like manner he determines

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concerning the cross in another died: forasmuch as by a serpent

prophet, saying: And when shall transgression began in Eve; that so
these things be fulfilled? he might convince them that for
2 The Lord answers: When the tree their transgressions they shall be
that is fallen shall rise, and when delivered into the pain of death.
blood shall drop down from the 9 Moses then himself, who had
tree. Here you have again mention commanded them, saying, Ye shall
made, both of the cross, and of him not make to yourselves any graven
that was to be crucified upon it. or molten image, to be your God yet
3 And yet farther he saith by now did so himself, that he might
Moses; (when Israel was fighting represent to them the figure of the
with, and beaten by, a strange Lord Jesus.
people; to the end that God might 10 For he made a brazen serpent,
put them in mind how that for their and set it up on high, and called the
sins they were delivered unto death) people together by a proclamation:
yea, the holy spirit put it into the where being come, they entreated
heart of Moses, to represent both Moses that he would make an
the sign of the cross, and of him atonement for them, and pray that
that was to suffer: that so they they might be healed.
might know that if they did not 11 Then Moses spake unto them,
believe in him, they should be saying: when any one among you
overcome for ever. shall be bitten, let him come unto
4 Moses therefore I piled up the serpent that is set upon the
armour upon armour in the middle pole; and let him assuredly trust in
of a rising ground, and standing up him, that though he be dead, yet he
high above all of them, stretched is able to give life, and presently he
forth his arms, and so Israel again shall be saved; and so they did. See
conquered. therefore how here also you have in
5 But no sooner did he let down his this the glory of Jesus; and that in
hands, but they were again slain. him and to him are all things.
And why so?—To the end they 12 Again; What says Moses to
might know, that except they trust Joshua, the Son of Nun, when he
in him they cannot be saved. gave that name unto him, as being a
6 And in another prophet, he saith, prophet, that all the people might
I have stretched out my hands all hear him alone? Because the father
the day long to a people did manifest all things concerning
disobedient, and speaking against his son Jesus, in Joshua, the Son of
my righteous way. Nun; and gave him that name when
7 And again Moses makes a type of he sent him to spy out the land of
Jesus, to show that he was to die, Canaan, saying; Take a book in
and then that he, whom they thine hands, and write what the
thought to be dead, was to give life Lord saith. Forasmuch as Jesus the
to others; in the type of those that Son of God shall in the last days
fell in Israel. cut off by the roots all the house of
8 For God caused all sorts of Amalek, see here again Jesus, not
serpents to bite them, and they the son of man, but the Son of God,

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made manifest in a type, and in the speaketh more clearly to his son
flesh. Joseph, saying; Behold the Lord
13 But because it might hereafter hath not derived me of seeing thy
be said that Christ was the Son of face, bring me thy sons that I may
David; therefore David fearing and bless them. And he brought unto his
well knowing the errors of the father Manasseh and Ephraim,
wicked, saith; the Lord said unto desiring that he should bless
my Lord, sit thou on my right hand Manasseh, because he was the
until I make thine enemies thy elder.
footstool. 6 Therefore Joseph brought him to
14 And again Isaiah speaketh on the right hand of his father Jacob.
this wise, The Lord said unto Christ But Jacob by the spirit foresaw the
my Lord, I have laid hold on his figure of the people that was to
right hand, that the nations should come.
obey before him, and I will break 7 And what saith the Scripture?
the strength of kings. And Jacob crossed his hands, and
15 Behold, how doth David and put his right hand upon Ephraim,
Isaiah call him Lord, and the Son of his second, and the younger son,
God. and blessed him. And Joseph said
unto Jacob; Put thy right hand upon
CHAPTER XII. the head of Manasseh, for he is my
The Promise of God not made to the first-born son. And Jacob said unto
Jews only, but to the Gentiles also, Joseph; I know it, my son, I know
and fulfilled to us by Jesus Christ. it; but the greater shall serve the
BUT let us go yet further, and lesser; though he also shall be
inquire whether this people be the blessed.
heir, or the former; and whether the 8 Ye see of whom he appointed it,
covenant be with us or with them. that they should be the first people,
2 And first, as concerning the and heirs of the covenant.
people, hear now what the Scripture 9 If therefore God shall have yet
saith: farther taken notice of this, by
3 Isaac prayed for his wife Abraham too; our understanding of
Rebekah, because she was barren; it will then be perfectly established.
and she conceived. Afterwards 10 What then saith the Scripture of
Rebekah went forth to inquire of Abraham, when I he believed, and it
the Lord. was imputed unto him for
4 And the Lord said unto her; righteousness? Behold I have made
There are two nations in thy womb, thee a father of the nations, which
and two people shall come from thy without circumcision believe in the
body; and the one shall have power Lord.
over the other, and the greater shall 11 Let us therefore now inquire
serve the lesser. Understand here whether God has fulfilled the
who was Isaac; who Rebekah; and covenant, which he sware to our
of whom it was foretold, this people fathers, that he would give this
shall be greater than that. people? Yes, verily, he gave it; but
5 And in another prophecy Jacob they were not worthy to receive it

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by reason of their sins. over to the irregularity of error,

12 For thus saith the prophet And from darkness; and establish a
Moses continued fasting in mount covenant with us by his word.
Sinai, to receive the covenant of the 20 For so it is written that the
Lord with the people, forty days father commanded him by
and forty nights. delivering us from darkness, to
13 And he received of the Lord two prepare unto himself a holy people.
tables written with the finger of the 21 Wherefore the prophet saith I
Lord's hand, in the Spirit. And the Lord thy God have called thee
Moses, when he had received them, in righteousness, and I will take
brought them down that he might thee by thy hand, and will
deliver them to the people. strengthen thee, and give thee for a
14 And the Lord said unto Moses; covenant of the people; for a light
Moses, Moses, get thee down to the Gentiles. To open the eyes of
quickly, for the people which thou the blind, to bring out the prisoners
broughtest out of the land of Egypt from the prison, and them that sit in
have done wickedly. darkness out of the prison house.
15 And Moses understood that they 22 Consider, therefore, from
had again set up a molten image: whence we have been redeemed.
and he cast the two tables out of his And again the prophet saith The
hands; and the tables of the spirit of the Lord is upon me,
covenant of the Lord were broken. because he hath anointed me: he
Moses therefore received them, but hath sent me to preach glad tidings
they were not worthy. to the lowly; to heal the broken in
16 Now then learn how we have heart; to preach remission to the
received them. Moses, being a captives, and give sight unto the
servant, took them; but the Lord blind; to proclaim the acceptable
himself has given them unto us, that year of the Lord, and the day of
we might be the people of his restitution; to comfort all that
inheritance; having suffered for us. mourn.
17 He was therefore made
manifest; that they should fill up CHAPTER XIII.
the measure of their sins, and that That the sabbath of the Jews was
we being made heirs by him, should but a figure of a more glorious
receive the covenant of the Lord sabbath to come, and their temple,
Jesus. of the spiritual temples of God.
18 And again the prophet saith FURTHERMORE it is written
Behold, I have set thee for a light concerning the sabbath, in the Ten
unto the Gentiles; to be the saviour Commandments, which God spake
of all the ends of the earth, saith in the mount Sinai to Moses, face to
the Lord; the God who hath re- face: Sanctify the sabbath of the
deemed thee. Lord with pure hands, and with a
19 Who for that very end was clean heart.
prepared, that by his own appearing 2 And elsewhere he saith; If thy
he might redeem our hearts, already children shall keep my Sabbaths,
devoured by death, and delivered then will I put my mercy upon

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them. cannot bear them. Consider what he

3 And even in the beginning of the means by it; the Sabbaths, says he,
creation he makes mention of the which ye now keep are not
sabbath. And God made in six days acceptable unto me, but those which
the works of his hands, and he I have made; when resting from all
finished them on the seventh day; things I shall begin the eight day,
and he rested the seventh day, and that is, the beginning of the other
sanctified it. world.
4 Consider, my children, what that 10 For which cause we observe the
signifies, he finished them in six eight day with gladness, in which
days. The meaning of it is this: that Jesus rose from the dead; and
in six thousand years the Lord God having manifested himself to his
will bring all things to an end. disciples, ascended into heaven.
5 For with him one day is a 11 It remains yet that I speak to
thousand years; as himself you concerning the temple: how
testifieth, saying, Behold this day those miserable men being deceived
shall be as a thousand years. have put their trust in the house,
Therefore, children, in six days, and not in God himself who made
that is, in six thousand years, shall them, as if it were the habitation of
a all things be accomplished. God.
6 And what is that he saith, And he 12 For much after the same manner
rested the seventh day he meaneth as the Gentiles, they consecrated
this: that when his Son shall come, him in the temple.
and abolish the season of the 13 But learn therefore how the
Wicked One, and judge the Lord speaketh, rendering the temple
ungodly; and shall change the sun vain: Who has measured the heaven
and the moon, and the stars; then he with a span, and the earth with his
shall gloriously rest on that seventh hand? Is it not I? Thus with the
day, Lord, Heaven is my throne, and the
7 He adds, lastly: Thou shalt earth is my footstool. What is the
sanctify it with clean hands and a house that ye will build me? Or
pure heart. Wherefore we are what is the place of my rest? Know
greatly deceived if we imagine that therefore that all their hope is vain.
anyone can now sanctify that day 14 And again he speaketh after this
which God has made holy, without manner: Behold they that destroy
having a heart pure in all things. this temple, even they shall again
8 Behold, therefore, he will then build it up. And so it came to pass;
truly sanctify it with blessed rest, for through their wars it is now
when we (having received the destroyed by their enemies; and the
righteous promise, when iniquity servants of their enemies build it
shall be no more, all things being up.
renewed by the Lord) shall be able 15 Furthermore it has been made
to sanctify it, being ourselves first manifest, how both the city and the
made holy; temple, and the people of Israel
9 Lastly, he saith unto them Your should be given up. For the
new moons and your Sabbaths I scripture saith; And it shall come to

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pass in the last days, that the Lord himself dwelleth in us, and openeth
will deliver up the sheep of his to us who were in bondage of death
pasture, and their fold, and their the gate of our temple, that is, the
tower unto destruction. And it is mouth of wisdom, having given
come to pass, as the Lord hath repentance unto us; and by this
spoken. means has brought us to be an
16 Let us inquire therefore, incorruptible temple.
whether there be any temple of 23 He therefore that desires to be
God? Yes there is: and there where saved looketh not unto the man, but
himself declares that he would both unto him that dwelleth in him, and
make and perfect it. For it is speaketh by him; being struck with
written: And it shall be that as soon wonder, forasmuch as he never
as the week shall be completed, the either heard him speaking such
temple of the Lord shall be words out of his mouth, nor ever
gloriously built in the name of the desired to hear them.
Lord. 24 This is that spiritual temple that
17 I find therefore that there is a is built unto the Lord.
temple. But how shall it be built in
the name of the Lord? I will shew CHAPTER XIV.
you. Of the way of light; being a
18 Before that we believed in God, summary of what a Christian is to
the habitation of our heart was do, that he maybe happy for ever.
corruptible, and feeble, as a temple AND thus I trust, I have declared
truly built with hands. to you as much, and with as great
19 For it was a house full of simplicity as I could, those, things
idolatry, a house of devils; which provide for your salvation,
inasmuch as there was done in it so as not to have omitted any thing
whatsoever was contrary unto God. that might be requisite thereunto.
But it shall be built in the name of 2 For should I speak farther of the
the Lord. things that now are, and of those
20 Consider, how that the temple that are to come, you would not yet
of the Lord shall be very gloriously understand them, seeing they lie in
built; and by what means that shall parables. This therefore shall
be, learn. suffice as to these things.
21 Having received remission of 3 Let us now go on to the other
our sins, and trusting in the name of kind of knowledge and doctrine.
the Lord, we are become renewed, There are two ways of doctrine and
being again created as it were from power; the one of light, the other of
the beginning. Wherefore God truly darkness.
dwells in our house, that is, in us. 4 But there is a great deal of
22 But how does he dwell in us? difference between these two ways
By the word of his faith, the calling for over one are appointed the
of his promise, the wisdom of his angels of God, the leaders of the
righteous judgments and the way of light; over the other, the
commands of his doctrine. He angels of Satan. And the one is the
himself prophesies within us, he Lord from everlasting to

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everlasting; the other is the prince conceptions, before they are

of the time of unrighteousness. brought forth; nor kill them after
5 Now the way of light is this: If they are born.
any one desires to attain to the 12 Thou shalt not withdraw thy
place that is appointed for him, and hand from thy son, or from thy
will hasten thither by his works. daughter; but shall teach them from
And the knowledge that has been their youth the fear of the Lord.
given to us for walking in it, to this 13 Thou shalt not covet thy
effect: Thou shalt love him that neighbour's goods; neither shalt
made thee: thou shalt glorify him thou be an extortioner. Neither shall
that hath redeemed thee from death. thy heart be joined to proud men;
6 Thou shalt be simple in heart, but thou shalt be numbered among
and rich in the spirit. Thou shalt not the righteous and the lowly.
cleave to those that walk in the way Whatever events shall happen unto
of death. Thou shalt hate to do thee, thou shalt receive them as
anything that is not pleasing unto good.
God. Thou shalt abhor all 14 Thou shalt not be double-
dissimulation. Thou shalt not minded or double-tongued; for a
neglect any of the commands of the double tongue is the snare of death.
Lord. Thou shalt be subject unto the Lord
7 Thou shalt not exalt thyself, but and to inferior masters as to the
shalt be humble. Then shalt not take representatives of God, in fear and
honour to thyself. Thou shalt not reverence.
enter into any wicked counsel 15 Thou shalt not be bitter in thy
against thy neighbour. Thou shalt commands towards any of thy
not be over confident in thy heart. servants that trust in God; lest thou
8 Thou shalt not commit chance not to fear him who is over
fornication, nor adultery. Neither both; because he came not to call
shalt thou corrupt thyself with any with respect of persons, but
mankind. Thou shalt not make use whomsoever the spirit had
of the word of God, to any prepared.
impurity, 16 Thou shalt communicate to thy
9 Thou shalt not except any man's neighbour of all thou hast; thou
person, when thou reprovest any shalt not call anything thine own:
one's faults. Thou shalt be gentle. for if ye partake of such things as
Thou shalt be quiet. Thou shalt are incorruptible, how much more
tremble at the words which thou should you do it in those that are
hast heard. Thou shalt not keep any corruptible?
hatred in thy heart against thy 17 Thou shalt not be forward to
brother. Thou shalt not entertain speak; for the mouth is the snare of
any doubt whether it shall be or death. Strive for thy soul with all
not. thy might. Reach not out thine hand
10 Thou shalt not take the name of to receive, and withhold it not when
the Lord in vain. Thou shalt love thou shouldest give.
thy neighbour above thy own soul, 18 Thou shalt love, as the apple of
11 Thou shalt not destroy thy thine eye, everyone that speaketh

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unto thee the Word of the Lord. mindedness, adultery, murder,

Call to thy remembrance, day and rapine, pride, transgression, deceit,
night, the future judgment. malice, arrogance, witchcraft,
19 Thou shalt seek out every day, covetousness, and the want of the
the persons of the righteous; and fear of God.
both consider and go about to 3 In this, walk those, who are the
exhort others by the word, and persecutors of them that are good;
meditate how thou mayest save a haters of truth; lovers of lies; who
soul. know not the reward of
20 Thou shalt also labour with thy righteousness, nor cleave to any
hands to give to the poor, that thy thing that is good.
sins may be forgiven thee, Thou 4 Who administer not righteous
shalt not deliberate whether thou judgment to the widow and orphan;
shouldst give; nor having given, who watch for wickedness, and not
murmur at it. for the fear of the Lord;
21 Give to everyone that asks so 5 From whom gentleness and
shalt thou know who is the good patience are far off: who love
rewarder of thy gifts. vanity, and follow after rewards;
22 Keep what thou hast received; having no compassion upon the
thou shalt neither add to it nor take poor; nor take any pains for such as
from it. are heavy laden and oppressed.
23 Let the wicked be always thy 6 Ready to evil speaking, not
aversion. Thou shalt judge with knowing him that made them;
righteous judgment. Thou shalt murderers of children; corrupters of
never cause divisions; but shalt the creature of God; that turn away
make peace between those that are from the needy; oppress the
at variance, and bring them afflicted; are the advocates of the
together. rich, but unjust judges of the poor;
24 Thou shalt confess thy sins; and being altogether sinners.
not come to thy prayer with an evil 7 It is therefore fitting that
conscience. learning the just commands of the
25 This is the way of light. Lord, which we have before
mentioned, we should walk in them.
CHAPTER XV. For he who does such things shall
Of the way of darkness; that is, be glorified in the kingdom of God.
what kind of persons shall be for 8 But he that chooses the other
ever cast out of the kingdom of part, shall be destroyed, together
God. with his works. For this cause there
BUT the way of darkness is shall be both a resurrection, and a
crooked, and full of cursing. For it retribution.
is the way of eternal death, with 9 I beseech those that are in high
punishment; in which they that estate among you, (if so be you will
walk meet those things that destroy take the counsel which with a good
their own souls. intention I offer to you,) you have
2 Such are; idolatry, confidence, those with you towards whom you
pride of power, hypocrisy, double- may do good; do not forsake them.

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10 For the day is at hand in which

all things shall be destroyed,
together with the wicked one. The
Lord is near, and his reward is with
him.
11 I beseech you, therefore, again,
and again, Be as good lawgiver's to
one another; continue faithful
counsellors do each other remove
from among you all hypocrisy.
12 And may God, the Lord of all
the world, give you wisdom,
knowledge, counsel, and
understanding of his judgments in
patience:
13 Be ye taught of God; seeking
what it is the Lord requires of you,
and doing it; that ye may be saved
in the day of judgment.
14 And if there be among you any
remembrance of what is good, think
of me; meditating on these things,
that both my desire and my
watching for you may turn to a
good account.
15 I beseech you; I ask it as a
favour of you; whilst you are in this
beautiful tabernacle of the body, be
wanting in none of these things; but
without ceasing seek them, and
fulfil every command, For these
things are fitting and worthy to be
done.
16 Wherefore I have given the
more diligence to write unto you
according to my ability, that you
might rejoice. Farewell, children of
love and peace.
17 The Lord of glory and of all
grace, be with your spirit, Amen.
The end of the Epistle of Barnabas
the Apostle, and fellow-traveller of
St. Paul the Apostle.

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