Epistle of Barnabas E-Book

anonymous

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

The Epistle of Barnabas is a profound early Christian treatise that transcends mere epistolary form to present a rich theological exploration of the intersection between Judaism and emerging Christian thought. Written in the late first or early second century, this anonymous work combines scriptural exegesis with ethical admonition, offering an allegorical reinterpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures to affirm the Christian faith. The epistle critiques traditional Jewish practices while emphasizing faith in Christ as the fulfillment of divine revelation, all conveyed through a rhetorical style that reflects the cultural milieu of Hellenistic philosophical thought and early Christian community concerns. The identity of the author remains elusive, but the distinct insights within the text suggest a writer deeply engaged in the theological discourses of the time. Scholars theorize that the author might have been a Christian leader familiar with the Jewish Scriptures, potentially addressing a community grappling with its identity amidst growing tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers. This context informs the epistle's urgent call for unity and moral integrity, serving both as a guide and a rebuke to early Christians. For readers interested in early Christian literature, the Epistle of Barnabas offers a compelling insight into the formative years of Christian thought and Jewish-Christian relations. Its allegorical style and theological depth warrant careful study, making it an essential text for anyone keen to understand the development of early Christian identity and beliefs. This epistle is not only a historical artifact but a reflection on spiritual transformation that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Leseprobe

Anonymous

Epistle of Barnabas

 

EAN 8596547164623

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Cover

Titlepage

Text

CHAPTER 1

Table of Contents

Greeting and introduction — Three doctrines — Prophecy

1. Hail, sons and daughters, in the name of the Lord who loved us, in peace.

2. Exceedingly and abundantly do I rejoice over your blessed and glorious spirit for the greatness and richness of God's ordinances towards you; so innate a grace of the gift of the spirit have you received. 3. Wherefore I congratulate myself the more in my hope of salvation, because I truly see in you that the Spirit has been poured out upon you from the Lord, who is rich in his bounty;[1] so that the sight of you, for which I longed, amazed me. 4. Being persuaded then of this, and being conscious that since I spoke among you I have much understanding because the Lord has travelled with me in the way of righteousness, I am above all constrained to this, to love you above my own life, because great faith and love dwell in you in the “hope of his life.” 5. I have therefore reckoned that, if I make it my care in your behalf to communicate somewhat of that which I received, it shall bring me the reward of having ministered to such spirits, and I hasten to send you a short letter in order that your knowledge may be perfected along with your faith.

6. There are then three doctrines[2] of the Lord: “the hope of life” is the beginning and end of our faith; and righteousness is the beginning and end of judgment; love of joy and of gladness is the testimony of the works of righteousness. 7. For the Lord made known to us through the prophets things past and things present and has given us the firstfruits of the taste of things to come; and when we see these things coming to pass one by one, as he said, we ought to make a richer and deeper offering for fear of him. 8. But I will show you a few things, not as a teacher but as one of yourselves, in which you shall rejoice at this present time.

CHAPTER 2

Table of Contents

The need of virtue — The abolition of Jewish sacrifices

1. Seeing then that the days are evil, and that the worker of evil himself is in power, we ought to give heed to ourselves, and seek out the ordinances of the Lord. 2. Fear then, and patience are the helpers of our faith, and long-suffering and continence are our allies. 3. While then these things remain in holiness towards the Lord, wisdom, prudence, understanding, and knowledge rejoice with them. 4. For he has made plain to us through all the Prophets that he needs neither sacrifices nor burnt-offerings nor oblations, saying in one place, 5. “What is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord. I am full of burnt offerings and desire not the fat of lambs and the blood of bulls and goats, not even when ye come to appear before me. For who has required these things at your hands? Henceforth shall ye tread my court no more. If ye bring flour, it is vain. Incense is an abomination to me. I cannot away with your new moons and sabbaths.” 6. These things then he abolished in order that the new law of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is without the yoke of necessity, might have its oblation not made by man. 7. And again he says to them, “Did I command your fathers when they came out of the land of Egypt to offer me burnt offerings and sacrifices? 8. Nay, but rather did I command them this: Let none of you cherish any evil in his heart against his neighbour, and love not a false oath.” 9. We ought then to understand, if we are not foolish, the loving intention of our Father, for he speaks to us, wishing that we should not err like them, but seek how we may make our offering to him. 10. To us then he speaks thus: “Sacrifice for the Lord is a broken heart, a smell of sweet savour to the Lord is a heart that glorifieth him that made it.”[3] We ought, therefore, brethren, carefully to enquire concerning our salvation, in order that the evil one may not achieve a deceitful entry into us and hurl us away from our life.

CHAPTER 3

Table of Contents

Concerning fasting