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.
Preface to the Epistle.
ALL happiness to
you my sons and daughters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us,
in peace.
2 Having perceived abundance of
knowledge of the great and excellent laws of God to be in you, I exceedingly
rejoice in your blessed and admirable souls, because ye have so worthily
received the grace which was grafted in you.
3 For which cause I am full of joy,
hoping the rather to be saved; inasmuch as I truly see a spirit infused into
you, from the pure fountain of God:
4 Having this persuasion, and being
fully convinced thereof, because that since I have begun to speak unto you, I
have had a more than ordinary good success in the way of the law of the Lord,
which is in Christ,
5 For which cause brethren, I also
think verily that I love you above my own soul; because that therein dwelleth
the greatness of faith and charity, as also the hope of that life which is to
come.
6 Wherefore considering this, that
if I shall take care to communicate to you a part of what I have received, it
shall turn to my reward, that I have served such good souls. I gave diligence
to write in a few words unto you; that together with your faith, your knowledge
also may be perfect.
7 There are therefore three things
ordained by the Lord; the hope of life, the beginning, and the completion of
it.
8 For the Lord hath both declared
unto us, by the prophets, those things that are past; and opened to us the
beginnings of those that are to come.
9 Wherefore, it will behove us, as
he has spoken, to come more holily, and nearer to his altar.
10 I therefore, not as a teacher but
as one of you, will endeavour to lay before you a few things by which you may,
on many accounts, become the more joyful.
CHAPTER II.
That God has abolished the legal
sacrifices, to introduce the spiritual righteousness of the Gospel.
SEEING then the
days are exceedingly evil, and the adversary has got the power of this present
world we ought to give the more diligence to inquire into the righteous judgments
of the Lord.
2 Now the assistants of our faith
are fear and patience; our fellow-combatants, long suffering and continence.
3 Whilst these remain pure in what
relates unto the Lord, wisdom, and understanding, and science, and knowledge,
rejoice together with them.
4 For God has manifested to us by
all the prophets, that he has no occasion for our sacrifices, or burnt-offerings,
or oblations: saying thus; To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto
me, saith the Lord.
5 I am full of the burnt-offerings of
rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or
of he-goats.
6 When ye come to appear before me,
who hath required this at your hands? Ye shall no more tread my courts.
7 Bring no more vain oblations, incense
is an abomination unto me your new moons and sabbaths, and the calling of
assemblies I cannot bear with, it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting; your new
moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth.
8 These things therefore hath God
abolished, that the new law of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is without the yoke
of any such necessity, might have the spiritual offering of, men themselves.
9 For so the Lord saith again to
those heretofore; Did I at all command your fathers when they came out of the land of Egypt concerning burnt-offerings of sacrifices?
10 But this I commanded them, saying,
Let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour, and love no
false oath.
11 Forasmuch then as we are not
without understanding, we ought to apprehend the design of our merciful Father.
For he speaks to us, being willing that we who have been in the same error
about the sacrifices, should seek and find how to approach unto him.
12 And therefore he thus bespeaks
us, The sacrifice of God (is a broken spirit,) a broken and contrite heart—God
will not despise.
13 Wherefore brethren, we ought the
more diligently to inquire after those things that belong to our salvation,
that the adversary may not have any entrance into us, and deprive us of our
spiritual life.
14 Wherefore he again speaketh to
them, concerning these things; Ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make
your voice to be heard on high.
15 Is it such a fast that I have chosen?
A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an
acceptable day to the Lord?
16 But to us he saith on this wise:
Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bands of wickedness, to
undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free: and that ye break
every yoke?
17 Is it not to deal thy bread to
the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When
thou seest the naked that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from
thy own flesh.
18 Then shall thy light break forth
as the morning, and thy health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness
shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.
19 Then shalt thou call and the Lord
shall answer; thou shalt cry and he shall say, Here I am; if thou put away from
the midst of thee the yoke; the putting forth of the finger, and speaking
vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry; and satisfy the afflicted
soul.
20 In this, therefore, brethren, God
has manifested his foreknowledge and love for us; because the people which he
has purchased to his beloved Son were to believe in sincerity; and therefore he
has shown these things to all of us, that we should not run as proselytes to
the Jewish Law.
CHAPTER III.
The prophecies of Daniel concerning
the ten kings, and the coming of Christ.
WHEREFORE it is
necessary that searching diligently into those things which are soon to come to
pass, we should write to you what may serve to keep you whole.
2 To which end, let us flee from every
evil work and hate the errors of the present time, that we may be happy in that
which is to come.
3 Let us not give ourselves the liberty
of disputing with the wicked and sinners; lest we should chance in time to
become like unto them.
4 For the consummation of sin is
come, as it is written, as the prophet Daniel says. And for this end the Lord
hath shortened the times and the days, that his beloved might hasten his
corning to his inheritance.
5 For so the prophet speaks; There
shall ten kings reign in the heart, and there shall rise last of all another
little one, and he shall humble three kings.
6 And again Daniel speaks in like
manner concerning the kingdoms; and I saw the fourth beast dreadful and
terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns,
and behold there came up among them another little horn, before which were
three of the first horns plucked up by the roots.
7 We ought therefore to understand this
also: And I beseech you, as one of your own brethren, loving you all beyond my
own life, that you look well to yourselves, and be not like to those who add
sin to sin, and say; That their covenant is ours also. Nay, but it is ours
only: for they have forever lost that which Moses received.
8 For thus saith the Scripture: And
Moses continued fasting forty days and forty nights in the Mount; and he
received the covenant from the Lord, even the two tables of stone, written by
the hand of God.
9 But having turned themselves to
idols they lost it; as the Lord also said to Moses; Moses, go down quickly, for
thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt
10 Wherefore let us give heed unto
the last times. For all the time past of our life and our faith, will profit us
nothing; unless we continue to hate what is evil, and to withstand the future
temptations. So the Son of God tells us; Let us resist all iniquity and hate
it.
11 Wherefore consider the works of
the evil way. Do not withdraw yourselves from others as if you were already
justified; but coming altogether into one place, inquire what is agreeable to
and profitable for the beloved of God. For the Scripture saith; Woe unto them that
are wise in their own eyes; and prudent in their sight.
12 Let us become spiritually a perfect
temple to God. As much as in us lies let us meditate upon the fear of God; and
strive to the utmost of our power to keep his commandments; that we may rejoice
in his righteous judgments.
13 For God will judge the world without
respect of persons and everyone shall receive according to his works.
14 If a man shall be good, his righteousness
shall go before him if wicked, the reward of his wickedness shall follow him.
15 Take heed therefore lest sitting
still now, that when we are called, we fall asleep in our sins; and the wicked
one getting the dominion over us, stir us up, and shut us out of the kingdom of
the Lord.
16 Consider this also: although you
have seen so great signs and wonders done among the people of the Jews, yet
this notwithstanding the Lord hath forsaken them.
17 Beware, therefore, lest it happen
to us; as it is written: There may be many called, but few chosen.
CHAPTER IV.
That Christ was to suffer is
proved from the prophecies concerning him.
FOR this cause
did our Lord vouchsafe to give up his body to destruction, that through the forgiveness
of our sins we might be sanctified; that is, by the sprinkling of his blood.
2 Now for what concerns the things
that are written about him, some belong to the people of the Jews, and some to
us.
3 For thus saith the Scripture; He
was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, and by
his blood we are healed. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep
before his shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
4 Wherefore we ought the more to
give thanks unto God, for that he hath both declared unto us what is passed,
and not suffered us to be without understanding of those things that are to
come.
5 But to them he saith; The nets
are not unjustly spread for the birds.
6 This he spake, because a man will
justly perish, if having the knowledge of the way of truth, he shall nevertheless
not refrain himself from the way of darkness.
7 And for this cause the Lord was
content to suffer for our souls, although he be the Lord of the whole earth; to
whom God said before the beginning of the world, Let us make man after our own image
and likeness.
8 Now how he suffered for us, seeing
it was by men that he underwent it, I will shew you.
9 The prophets having received from
him the gifts of prophecy, spake before concerning him:
10 But he, that he might abolish
death, and make known the resurrection from the dead, was content, as it was
necessary, to appear in the flesh, that he might make good the promise before
given to our fathers, and preparing himself a new people, might demonstrate to
them whilst he was upon earth, that after the resurrection he would judge the
world.
11 And finally, teaching the people
of Israel
12 And when he chose his apostles, which
were afterwards to publish his Gospel, he took men who had been very great sinners;
that thereby he might plainly shew That he came not to call the righteous but
sinners to repentance.
13 Then he clearly manifested himself
to be the Son of God. For had he not come in the flesh, how should men have
been able to look upon him, that they might be saved?
14 Seeing that if they beheld only
the sun, which was the work of his hands, and shall hereafter cease to be, they
are not able to endure stedfastly to look against the rays of it;
15 Wherefore the Son of God came in
the flesh for this cause, that he might fill up the measure of their iniquity,
who have persecuted his prophets unto death. And for the same reason also he
suffered.
16 For God hath said of the stripes
of his flesh, that they were from them. And, I will smite the shepherd, and the
sheep of the flock shall be scattered.
17 Thus he would suffer, because it
behoved him to suffer upon the cross.
18 For thus one saith, prophesying
concerning him; Spare my soul from the sword. And again, My flesh trembleth for
fear.
19 And again, the congregation of
wicked doers rose up against me, (They have pierced my hands and my feet).
20 And again he saith, I gave my
back to the smiters, and my face I set as a hard rock.
CHAPTER V.
The subject continued.
AND when he had
fulfilled the commandment of God, What says he? Who will contend with me? Let
him stand against me or who is he that will implead me? Let him draw near to
the servant of the Lord. Woe be to you! Because ye shall all wax old as a
garment, the moth shall eat you up.
2 And again adds the prophet, He is
put for a stone of stumbling. Behold I lay in Zion
3 What then? Is our hope built upon
a stone? God forbid. But because the Lord hath hardened his flesh against
sufferings, he saith, I have put me as a firm rock.
4 And again the prophet adds; The
stone which the builders refused has become the head of the corner. And again
he saith This is the great and wonderful day which the Lord hath made. I write
these things the more plainly to you that ye may understand: I For indeed I could
be content even to die for your sakes.
5 But what saith the prophet again;
The counsel of the wicked encompassed me about. They came about me, as bees
about the honey-comb: and, Upon my vesture they cast lots.
6 Forasmuch then as our Saviour was
to appear in the flesh and suffer, his passion was hereby foretold.
7 For thus saith the prophet against
Israel
8 Moses also in like manner speaketh
to them; Behold thus saith the Lord God; Enter ye into the good land of which
the Lord hath sworn to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, that he would give it
you, and possess it; a land flowing with milk and honey.
9 Now what the spiritual meaning of
this is, learn; It is as if it had been said, Put your trust in Jesus, who
shall be manifested to you in the flesh. For man is the earth which suffers: forasmuch
as out of the substance of the earth Adam was formed.
10 What therefore does he mean when
he says, Into a good land flowing with milk and honey? Blessed be our Lord, who
has given us wisdom, and a heart to understand his secrets. For so says the
prophet, "Who shall understand the hard sayings of the Lord? But he that
is wise, and intelligent, and that loves his Lord."
11 Seeing therefore he has renewed
us by the remission of our sins, he has put us into another frame, that we
should have souls like those of children, forming us again himself by the
spirit.
12 For thus the Scripture saith concerning
us, where it introduceth the Father speaking to the Son; Let us make man after
our likeness and similitude; and let them have dominion over the beasts of the earth,
and over the fowls of the air, and the fish of the sea.
13 And when the Lord saw the man
which he had formed, that behold he was very good; he said, Increase and
multiply, and replenish the earth. And this he spake to his son.
14 I will now show you, how he made
us a new creature, in the latter days.
15 The Lord saith; Behold I will
make the last as the first. Wherefore the prophet thus spake, Enter into the
land flowing with milk and honey, and have dominion over it.
16 Wherefore ye see how we are again
formed anew; as also he speaks by another prophet; Behold saith the Lord, I
will take from them; that is, from those whom the spirit of the Lord foresaw,
their hearts of stone, and I will put into them hearts of flesh.
17 Because he was about to be made
manifest in the flesh and to dwell in us.
18 For, my brethren, the habitation
of our heart is a holy temple unto the Lord. For the prophet saith again, In
what place shall I appear before the Lord my God, and be glorified?
19 He answers I will confess unto
thee in the congregation in the midst of my brethren; and will sing unto thee
in the church of the saints:
20 Wherefore we are they whom he has
brought into that good land.
21 But what signifies the milk and
honey? Because as the child is nourished first with milk, and then with honey;
so we being kept alive by the belief of his promises and his word, shall live and
have dominion over the land.
22 For he foretold before, saying, increase
and multiply, and have dominion over the beasts, fishes, and birds.
23 But who is there that is now able
to have this dominion over the wild beasts, or fishes, or fowls of the air? For
you know that to rule, is to have power; that a man should be set over what he
rules.
24 But forasmuch as this we have not
now, he tells us when we shall have it; namely, when we shall become perfect,
that we may be made the inheritors of the covenant of the Lord.
CHAPTER VI.
The sacrifice of Jesus, and of a
goat, an evident type of Christ crucified.
UNDERSTAND then
my beloved children, that the good God hath before manifested all things unto us,
that we might know to whom we ought always to give thanks and praise.
2 If therefore the Son of God who
is the Lord of all, and shall come to judge both the quick and dead, hath
suffered, that by his stripes we might live; let us believe that the Son of God
could not have suffered but for us. But being crucified, they gave him vinegar
and gall to drink.
3 Hear therefore how the priests of
the temple did foreshow this also: the Lord by his command which was written, declared
that whosoever did not fast the appointed fast he should die the death: because
he also was himself one day to offer up his body for our sins; that so the type
of what was done in Isaac might be fulfilled, who was offered upon the altar.
4 What therefore is it that he says
by the prophet? And let them eat of the goat which is offered in the day of the
fast for all their sins. Hearken diligently, (my brethren,) and all the
priests, and they only shall eat the inwards not washed with vinegar.
5 Why so? because I know that when
I shall hereafter offer my flesh for the sins of a new people, ye will give me
vinegar to drink mixed with gall; therefore do ye only eat, the people fasting the
while, and lamenting in sackcloth and ashes.
6 And that he might foreshow that
he was to suffer for them, hear then how he appointed it.
7 Take, says he, two goats, fair and
alike, and offer them; and let the high priest take one of them for a burnt
offering. And what shalt be done with the other? Let it, says he, be accursed.
8 Consider how exactly this appears
to have been a type of Jesus. And let all the congregation spit upon it, and
prick it; and put the scarlet wool about its head; and thus let it be carried forth
into the wilderness.
9 And this being done, he that was
appointed to convey the goat, led it into the wilderness, and took away the
scarlet wool, and put it upon a thorn bush, whose young sprouts, when we find them
in the field, we are wont to eat: so the fruit of that thorn only is sweet.
10 And to what end was this ceremony?
Consider; one was offered upon the altar, the other was accursed.
11 And why was that which was accursed
crowned? Because they shall see Christ on that day having a scarlet garment
about his body; and shall say: Is not this he whom we crucified; having
despised him, pierced him, mocked him? Certainly, this is he, who then said, that
he was the Son of God.
12 As therefore he shall be then
like to what he was on earth, so were the Jews heretofore commanded, to take
two goats fair and equal; that when they shall see (our Saviour) hereafter
coming (in the clouds of heaven), they may be amazed at the likeness of the goats.
13 Wherefore ye here again see a
type of Jesus who was to suffer for us.
14 But what then signifies this, That
the wool was to be put into the midst of the thorns?
15 This also is a figure of Jesus, set
out to the church. For as he who would take away the scarlet wool must undergo
many difficulties, because that thorn was very sharp, and with difficulty get
it: So, says Christ, they that will see me, and come to my kingdom, must through
many afflictions and troubles attain unto me.
CHAPTER VII.
The red heifer, another type of
Christ.
BUT what type do
ye suppose it to have been, where it is commanded to the people of Israel
2 But then young men should take up
the ashes and put them in vessels; and tie a piece of scarlet wool and hyssop
upon a stick, and so the young men should sprinkle every one of the people, and
they should be clear from their sins?
3 Consider how all these are delivered
in a figure to us.
4 This heifer is Jesus Christ; the
wicked men that were to offer it are those sinners who brought him to death;
who afterwards have no more to do with it: for the sinners have no more the
honour of handling it:
5 But the young men that performed the
sprinkling, signified those who preach to us the forgiveness of sins, and the
purification of the heart, to whom the Lord gave authority to preach his Gospel:
being at the beginning twelve, to signify the tribes, because there were twelve
tribes of Israel
6 But why were there three young
men appointed to sprinkle? To denote Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, because
they were great before God.
7 And why was the wool put upon a
stick? Because the kingdom
of Jesus
8 But why was the wool and hyssop
put together? To signify that in the kingdom
of Christ
9 Wherefore these things being thus
done, are to us indeed evident, but to the Jews they are obscure; because they
hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.
CHAPTER VIII.
Of the circumcision of the ears;
and how in the first institution of circumcision Abraham mystically foretold
Christ by name.
AND therefore
the Scripture again speaks concerning our ears, that God has circumcised them,
together with our hearts. For thus saith the Lord by the holy prophet: By the
hearing of the ear they obeyed me.
2 And again, They who are afar off,
shall hear and understand what things I have done. And again, Circumcise your
hearts, saith the Lord.
3 And again be saith, Hear O Israel
4 And again, Hear, O Heavens, and
give ear O Earth! Because the Lord has spoken these things for a witness.
5 And again, he saith, Hear the
word of the Lord, ye princes of the people. And again, Hear O children! The
voice of one crying in the wilderness.
6 Wherefore he has circumcised our
ears, that we should hear his word, and believe. But as for that circumcision,
in which the Jews trust, it is abolished: for the circumcision of which God
spake, was not of the flesh.
7 But they have transgressed his
commands, because the evil one hath deceived them. For thus God bespeaks them;
Thus saith the Lord your God, (Here I find the new law) Sow not among thorns;
but circumcise yourselves to the Lord your God. And what doth he mean by this
saying? Hearken unto your Lord.
8 And again he saith, Circumcise the
hardness of your heart, and harden not your neck. And again, Behold, saith the
Lord, all the nations are uncircumcised, (they have not lost their fore-skin):
but this people is uncircumcised in heart.
9 But you will say the Jews were
circumcised for a sign. And so are all the Syrians and Arabians, and all the
idolatrous priests: but are they therefore of the covenant of Israel
10 Understand therefore, children, these
things more fully, that Abraham was the first, that brought in circumcision,
looking forward in the Spirit, to Jesus; circumcised, having received the mystery
of three letters.
11 For the Scripture says that Abraham
circumcised three hundred and eighteen men of his house. But what therefore was
the mystery that was made known unto him!
12 Mark, first the eighteen, and next
the three hundred. For the numeral letters of ten and eight are T H. And these
denote Jesus.
13 And because the cross was that by
which we were to find grace, therefore he adds, three hundred; the note of
which is T (the figure of his cross). Wherefore by two letters he signified
Jesus, and by the third his cross.
14 He who has put the engrafted gift
of his doctrine within us, knows that I never taught to anyone a more certain
truth: but I trust that ye are worthy of it.
CHAPTER IX.
That the commands of Moses concerning
clean and unclean beasts, were all designed for a spiritual signification.
BUT why did
Moses say Ye shall not eat of the swine, neither the eagle nor the hawk; nor
the crow; nor any fish that has not a scale upon him?—I answer that, in the
spiritual sense, he comprehended three doctrines, that were to be gathered from
thence.
2 Besides which he says to them in
the book of Deuteronomy, And I will give my statutes unto this people.
Wherefore it is not the command of God that they should not eat these things;
but Moses in the spirit spake unto them.
3 Now the sow he forbad them to
eat; meaning thus much: Thou shalt not join thyself to such persons as are like
unto swine, who, whilst they live in pleasure, forget their God; but when any
want pinches them, then they know the Lord: as the sow when she is full knows
not her master, but when she is hungry she makes a noise; and being again fed,
is silent.
4 Neither, says he, shalt thou eat
the eagle, nor the hawk, nor the kite, nor the crow; that is, thou shalt not
keep company with such kind of men as know not how by their labour and sweat to
get themselves food; but injuriously ravish away the things of others, and
watch how to lay snares for them; when at the same time they appear to live in
perfect innocence.
3 So these birds alone (seek not food
for themselves,) but sitting idle, seek how they may eat of the flesh others
have provided being destructive through their wickedness.
6 Neither, says he, shalt thou eat
the lamprey, nor the polypus, nor the cuttle-fish; that is thou shalt not be
like such men, by seeking to converse with them who are altogether wicked and adjudged
to death. For so those fishes are alone accursed, that wallow in the mire, nor
swim as other fishes, but tumble in the dirt at the bottom of the deep.
7 But, he adds, neither shalt thou
eat of the hare. To what end?—To signify this to us; Thou shalt not be an
adulterer, nor liken thyself to such persons. For the hare every year
multiplies the places of its conception; and as many years as it lives, so many
it has.
8 Neither shalt thou eat of the hyena:
that is, again, be not an adulterer, nor a corrupter of others; neither be like
to such. And wherefore so?—Because that creature every year changes its kind,
which is sometimes male and sometimes female.
9 For which cause also he justly hated
the weazel; to the end that they should not be like such persons who with their
mouths commit wickedness by reason of their uncleanness; nor join themselves
with those impure women, who with their mouths commit wickedness. Because that
animal conceives with its mouth.
10 Moses, therefore, speaking as
concerning meats, delivered indeed three great precepts to them in the
spiritual signification of those commands. But they according to the desires of
the flesh, understood him as if he had only meant it of meats.
11 And therefore David took aright
the knowledge of his three-fold command, saying in like manner:
12 Blessed is the man that hath not
walked in the counsel of the ungodly; as the fishes before mentioned in the
bottom of the deep, in darkness.
13 Nor stood in the way of sinners,
as they who seem to fear the Lord, but yet sin, as the sow.
14 And hath not sat in the seat of
the scorners; as those birds who sit and watch that they may devour.
15 Here you have the law concerning
meat perfectly set forth and according to the true knowledge of it.
16 But, says Moses, ye shall eat all
that divideth the hoof, and cheweth the cud. Signifying thereby such an one as
having taken his food, knows him that nourisheth him; and resting upon him,
rejoiceth in him.
17 And in this he spake well, having
respect to the commandment. What, therefore, is it that he says?—That we should
hold fast to them that fear the Lord; with those who meditate on the command of
the word which they have received, in their heart; with those that declare the righteous
judgments of the Lord, and keep his commandments;
18 In short, with those who know
that to meditate is a work of pleasure, and therefore exercise themselves in
the word of the Lord.
19 But why might they eat those that
clave the hoof? Because the righteous liveth in this present world; but his
expectation is fixed upon the other. See, brethren, how admirably Moses commanded
these things.
20 But how should we thus know all
this, and understand it? We, therefore, understanding aright the commandments,
speak as the Lord would have us. Wherefore he has circumcised our ears and our
hearts, that we might know these things.
CHAPTER X.
Baptism and the cross of Christ foretold
in figures under the law.
LET us now
inquire whether the Lord took care to manifest anything beforehand concerning water
and the cross.
2 Now for the former of these, it
is written to the people of Israel
3 For thus saith the prophet: Be astonished,
O Heaven! and let the earth tremble at it, because this people have done two
great and wicked things: they have left me, the fountain of living water, and
have digged for themselves broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
4 Is my holy mountain of Zion
5 And again the prophet saith, I
will go before thee, and will make plain the mountains, and will break the
gates of brass, and will snap in sunder the bars of iron; and will give thee
dark, and hidden, and invisible treasures, that they may know that I am the
Lord God.
6 And again: he shall dwell in the
high den of the strong rock. And then, what follows in the same prophet? His
water is faithful; ye shall see the king with glory, and your soul shall learn
the fear of the Lord.
7 And again he saith in another prophet:
He that does these things; I shall be like a tree planted by the currents of
water, which shall give its fruit in its season. Its leaf also shall not wither,
and whatsoever he doth it shall prosper.
8 As for the wicked it is not so
with them; but they are as the dust which the wind scattereth away from the
face of the earth.
9 Therefore the ungodly shall not
stand in the judgment, neither the sinners in the council of the righteous. For
the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, and the way of the ungodly shall
perish.
10 Consider how he has joined both
the cross and the water together.
11 For this he saith: Blessed are
they who put their trust in the cross, and descend into the water; for they
shall have their reward in due time: then, saith he, will I give it them.
12 But as concerning the present time,
he saith, their leaves shall not fall: meaning thereby, that every word that
shall go out of your mouth, shall through faith and charity be to the conversion
and hope of many.
13 In like manner doth another prophet
speak. And the land
of Jacob
14 And what follows?—And there was a
river running on the right hand, and beautiful trees grew up by it; and he that
shall eat of them shall live for ever. The signification of which is this that
we go down into the water full of sins and pollutions, but come up again,
bringing forth fruit; having in our hearts the fear and hope which is in Jesus,
by the spirit. And whosoever shall eat of them shall live for ever.
15 That is, whosoever shall hearken
to those who call them, and shall believe, shall live for ever.
CHAPTER XI.
The subject continued.
IN like manner
he determines concerning the cross in another prophet, saying: And when shall these
things be fulfilled?
2 The Lord answers: When the tree
that is fallen shall rise, and when blood shall drop down from the tree. Here
you have again mention made, both of the cross, and of him that was to be crucified
upon it.
3 And yet farther he saith by Moses;
(when Israel
4 Moses therefore I piled up armour
upon armour in the middle of a rising ground, and standing up high above all of
them, stretched forth his arms, and so Israel
5 But no sooner did he let down his
hands, but they were again slain. And why so?—To the end they might know, that
except they trust in him they cannot be saved.
6 And in another prophet, he saith,
I have stretched out my hands all the day long to a people disobedient, and
speaking against my righteous way.
7 And again Moses makes a type of
Jesus, to show that he was to die, and then that he, whom they thought to be
dead, was to give life to others; in the type of those that fell in Israel
8 For God caused all sorts of serpents
to bite them, and they died: forasmuch as by a serpent transgression began in
Eve; that so he might convince them that for their transgressions they shall be
delivered into the pain of death.
9 Moses then himself, who had commanded
them, saying, Ye shall not make to yourselves any graven or molten image, to be
your God yet now did so himself, that he might represent to them the figure of
the Lord Jesus.
10 For he made a brazen serpent, and
set it up on high, and called the people together by a proclamation: where
being come, they entreated Moses that he would make an atonement for them, and pray
that they might be healed.
11 Then Moses spake unto them, saying:
when any one among you shall be bitten, let him come unto the serpent that is
set upon the pole; and let him assuredly trust in him, that though he be dead, yet
he is able to give life, and presently he shall be saved; and so they did. See
therefore how here also you have in this the glory of Jesus; and that in him
and to him are all things.
12 Again; What says Moses to Joshua,
the Son of Nun, when he gave that name unto him, as being a prophet, that all
the people might hear him alone? Because the father did manifest all things concerning
his son Jesus, in Joshua, the Son of Nun; and gave him that name when he sent
him to spy out the land
of Canaan
13 But because it might hereafter be
said that Christ was the Son of David; therefore David fearing and well knowing
the errors of the wicked, saith; the Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right
hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
14 And again Isaiah speaketh on this
wise, The Lord said unto Christ my Lord, I have laid hold on his right hand,
that the nations should obey before him, and I will break the strength of
kings.
15 Behold, how doth David and Isaiah
call him Lord, and the Son of God.
CHAPTER XII.
The Promise of God not made to the
Jews only, but to the Gentiles also, and fulfilled to us by Jesus Christ.
BUT let us go
yet further, and inquire whether this people be the heir, or the former; and whether
the covenant be with us or with them.
2 And first, as concerning the people,
hear now what the Scripture saith:
3 Isaac prayed for his wife Rebekah,
because she was barren; and she conceived. Afterwards Rebekah went forth to inquire
of the Lord.
4 And the Lord said unto her; There
are two nations in thy womb, and two people shall come from thy body; and the
one shall have power over the other, and the greater shall serve the lesser. Understand
here who was Isaac; who Rebekah; and of whom it was foretold, this people shall
be greater than that.
5 And in another prophecy Jacob speaketh
more clearly to his son Joseph, saying; Behold the Lord hath not derived me of
seeing thy face, bring me thy sons that I may bless them. And he brought unto
his father Manasseh and Ephraim, desiring that he should bless Manasseh, because
he was the elder.
6 Therefore Joseph brought him to
the right hand of his father Jacob. But Jacob by the spirit foresaw the figure
of the people that was to come.
7 And what saith the Scripture? And
Jacob crossed his hands, and put his right hand upon Ephraim, his second, and
the younger son, and blessed him. And Joseph said unto Jacob; Put thy right
hand upon the head of Manasseh, for he is my first-born son. And Jacob said
unto Joseph; I know it, my son, I know it; but the greater shall serve the lesser;
though he also shall be blessed.
8 Ye see of whom he appointed it,
that they should be the first people, and heirs of the covenant.
9 If therefore God shall have yet
farther taken notice of this, by Abraham too; our understanding of it will then
be perfectly established.
10 What then saith the Scripture of
Abraham, when I he believed, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?
Behold I have made thee a father of the nations, which without circumcision
believe in the Lord.
11 Let us therefore now inquire whether
God has fulfilled the covenant, which he sware to our fathers, that he would
give this people? Yes, verily, he gave it; but they were not worthy to receive it
by reason of their sins.
12 For thus saith the prophet And
Moses continued fasting in mount Sinai, to receive the covenant of the Lord
with the people, forty days and forty nights.
13 And he received of the Lord two tables
written with the finger of the Lord's hand, in the Spirit. And Moses, when he
had received them, brought them down that he might deliver them to the people.
14 And the Lord said unto Moses;
Moses, Moses, get thee down quickly, for the people which thou broughtest out
of the land of Egypt
15 And Moses understood that they
had again set up a molten image: and he cast the two tables out of his hands;
and the tables of the covenant of the Lord were broken. Moses therefore
received them, but they were not worthy.
16 Now then learn how we have received
them. Moses, being a servant, took them; but the Lord himself has given them
unto us, that we might be the people of his inheritance; having suffered for us.
17 He was therefore made manifest;
that they should fill up the measure of their sins, and that we being made
heirs by him, should receive the covenant of the Lord Jesus.
18 And again the prophet saith Behold,
I have set thee for a light unto the Gentiles; to be the saviour of all the
ends of the earth, saith the Lord; the God who hath re-deemed thee.
19 Who for that very end was prepared,
that by his own appearing he might redeem our hearts, already devoured by death,
and delivered over to the irregularity of error, from darkness; and establish a
covenant with us by his word.
20 For so it is written that the father
commanded him by delivering us from darkness, to prepare unto himself a holy people.
21 Wherefore the prophet saith I the
Lord thy God have called thee in righteousness, and I will take thee by thy
hand, and will strengthen thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people; for
a light to the Gentiles. To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out the prisoners
from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
22 Consider, therefore, from whence
we have been redeemed. And again the prophet saith The spirit of the Lord is
upon me, because he hath anointed me: he hath sent me to preach glad tidings to
the lowly; to heal the broken in heart; to preach remission to the captives,
and give sight unto the blind; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and
the day of restitution; to comfort all that mourn.
CHAPTER XIII.
That the sabbath of the Jews was
but a figure of a more glorious sabbath to come, and their temple, of the spiritual
temples of God.
FURTHERMORE it
is written concerning the sabbath, in the Ten Commandments, which God spake in
the mount Sinai to Moses, face to face: Sanctify the sabbath of the Lord with
pure hands, and with a clean heart.
2 And elsewhere he saith; If thy
children shall keep my Sabbaths, then will I put my mercy upon them.
3 And even in the beginning of the
creation he makes mention of the sabbath. And God made in six days the works of
his hands, and he finished them on the seventh day; and he rested the seventh day,
and sanctified it.
4 Consider, my children, what that
signifies, he finished them in six days. The meaning of it is this: that in six
thousand years the Lord God will bring all things to an end.
5 For with him one day is a thousand
years; as himself testifieth, saying, Behold this day shall be as a thousand
years. Therefore, children, in six days, that is, in six thousand years, shall
a all things be accomplished.
6 And what is that he saith, And he
rested the seventh day he meaneth this: that when his Son shall come, and
abolish the season of the Wicked One, and judge the ungodly; and shall change
the sun and the moon, and the stars; then he shall gloriously rest on that
seventh day,
7 He adds, lastly: Thou shalt sanctify
it with clean hands and a pure heart. Wherefore we are greatly deceived if we
imagine that anyone can now sanctify that day which God has made holy, without
having a heart pure in all things.
8 Behold, therefore, he will then truly
sanctify it with blessed rest, when we (having received the righteous promise,
when iniquity shall be no more, all things being renewed by the Lord) shall be
able to sanctify it, being ourselves first made holy;
9 Lastly, he saith unto them Your
new moons and your Sabbaths I cannot bear them. Consider what he means by it;
the Sabbaths, says he, which ye now keep are not acceptable unto me, but those
which I have made; when resting from all things I shall begin the eight day,
that is, the beginning of the other world.
10 For which cause we observe the
eight day with gladness, in which Jesus rose from the dead; and having
manifested himself to his disciples, ascended into heaven.
11 It remains yet that I speak to
you concerning the temple: how those miserable men being deceived have put
their trust in the house, and not in God himself who made them, as if it were
the habitation of God.
12 For much after the same manner as
the Gentiles, they consecrated him in the temple.
13 But learn therefore how the Lord
speaketh, rendering the temple vain: Who has measured the heaven with a span,
and the earth with his hand? Is it not I? Thus with the Lord, Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool. What is the house that ye will build me? Or what
is the place of my rest? Know therefore that all their hope is vain.
14 And again he speaketh after this
manner: Behold they that destroy this temple, even they shall again build it
up. And so it came to pass; for through their wars it is now destroyed by their
enemies; and the servants of their enemies build it up.
15 Furthermore it has been made
manifest, how both the city and the temple, and the people of Israel
16 Let us inquire therefore, whether
there be any temple
of God
17 I find therefore that there is a
temple. But how shall it be built in the name of the Lord? I will shew you.
18 Before that we believed in God,
the habitation of our heart was corruptible, and feeble, as a temple truly
built with hands.
19 For it was a house full of idolatry,
a house of devils; inasmuch as there was done in it whatsoever was contrary
unto God. But it shall be built in the name of the Lord.
20 Consider, how that the temple of
the Lord shall be very gloriously built; and by what means that shall be,
learn.
21 Having received remission of our
sins, and trusting in the name of the Lord, we are become renewed, being again
created as it were from the beginning. Wherefore God truly dwells in our house,
that is, in us.
22 But how does he dwell in us? By
the word of his faith, the calling of his promise, the wisdom of his righteous
judgments and the commands of his doctrine. He himself prophesies within us, he
himself dwelleth in us, and openeth to us who were in bondage of death the gate
of our temple, that is, the mouth of wisdom, having given repentance unto us;
and by this means has brought us to be an incorruptible temple.
23 He therefore that desires to be
saved looketh not unto the man, but unto him that dwelleth in him, and speaketh
by him; being struck with wonder, forasmuch as he never either heard him
speaking such words out of his mouth, nor ever desired to hear them.
24 This is that spiritual temple that
is built unto the Lord.
CHAPTER XIV.
Of the way of light; being a summary
of what a Christian is to do, that he maybe happy for ever.
AND thus I
trust, I have declared to you as much, and with as great simplicity as I could,
those, things which provide for your salvation, so as not to have omitted any
thing that might be requisite thereunto.
2 For should I speak farther of the
things that now are, and of those that are to come, you would not yet
understand them, seeing they lie in parables. This therefore shall suffice as
to these things.
3 Let us now go on to the other kind
of knowledge and doctrine. There are two ways of doctrine and power; the one of
light, the other of darkness.
4 But there is a great deal of difference
between these two ways for over one are appointed the angels of God, the leaders
of the way of light; over the other, the angels of Satan. And the one is the
Lord from everlasting to everlasting; the other is the prince of the time of unrighteousness.
5 Now the way of light is this: If
any one desires to attain to the place that is appointed for him, and will
hasten thither by his works. And the knowledge that has been given to us for
walking in it, to this effect: Thou shalt love him that made thee: thou shalt
glorify him that hath redeemed thee from death.
6 Thou shalt be simple in heart, and
rich in the spirit. Thou shalt not cleave to those that walk in the way of
death. Thou shalt hate to do anything that is not pleasing unto God. Thou shalt
abhor all dissimulation. Thou shalt not neglect any of the commands of the
Lord.
7 Thou shalt not exalt thyself, but
shalt be humble. Then shalt not take honour to thyself. Thou shalt not enter
into any wicked counsel against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not be over confident
in thy heart.
8 Thou shalt not commit fornication,
nor adultery. Neither shalt thou corrupt thyself with mankind. Thou shalt not
make use of the word of God, to any impurity,
9 Thou shalt not except any man's
person, when thou reprovest any one's faults. Thou shalt be gentle. Thou shalt
be quiet. Thou shalt tremble at the words which thou hast heard. Thou shalt not
keep any hatred in thy heart against thy brother. Thou shalt not entertain any
doubt whether it shall be or not.
10 Thou shalt not take the name of
the Lord in vain. Thou shalt love thy neighbour above thy own soul,
11 Thou shalt not destroy thy conceptions,
before they are brought forth; nor kill them after they are born.
12 Thou shalt not withdraw thy hand
from thy son, or from thy daughter; but shall teach them from their youth the
fear of the Lord.
13 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's
goods; neither shalt thou be an extortioner. Neither shall thy heart be joined
to proud men; but thou shalt be numbered among the righteous and the lowly. Whatever
events shall happen unto thee, thou shalt receive them as good.
14 Thou shalt not be double- minded
or double-tongued; for a double tongue is the snare of death. Thou shalt be
subject unto the Lord and to inferior masters as to the representatives of God,
in fear and reverence.
15 Thou shalt not be bitter in thy
commands towards any of thy servants that trust in God; lest thou chance not to
fear him who is over both; because he came not to call any with respect of
persons, but whomsoever the spirit had prepared.
16 Thou shalt communicate to thy
neighbour of all thou hast; thou shalt not call anything thine own: for if ye
partake of such things as are incorruptible, how much more should you do it in
those that are corruptible?
17 Thou shalt not be forward to speak;
for the mouth is the snare of death. Strive for thy soul with all thy might.
Reach not out thine hand to receive, and withhold it not when thou shouldest
give.
18 Thou shalt love, as the apple of
thine eye, everyone that speaketh unto thee the Word of the Lord. Call to thy
remembrance, day and night, the future judgment.
19 Thou shalt seek out every day,
the persons of the righteous; and both consider and go about to exhort others
by the word, and meditate how thou mayest save a soul.
20 Thou shalt also labour with thy
hands to give to the poor, that thy sins may be forgiven thee, Thou shalt not
deliberate whether thou shouldst give; nor having given, murmur at it.
21 Give to everyone that asks so
shalt thou know who is the good rewarder of thy gifts.
22 Keep what thou hast received; thou
shalt neither add to it nor take from it.
23 Let the wicked be always thy
aversion. Thou shalt judge with righteous judgment. Thou shalt never cause
divisions; but shalt make peace between those that are at variance, and bring them
together.
24 Thou shalt confess thy sins; and
not come to thy prayer with an evil conscience.
25 This is the way of light.
CHAPTER XV.
Of the way of darkness; that is,
what kind of persons shall be for ever cast out of the kingdom of God
BUT the way of
darkness is crooked, and full of cursing. For it is the way of eternal death, with
punishment; in which they that walk meet those things that destroy their own
souls.
2 Such are; idolatry, confidence, pride
of power, hypocrisy, double- mindedness, adultery, murder, rapine, pride,
transgression, deceit, malice, arrogance, witchcraft, covetousness, and the
want of the fear of God.
3 In this, walk those, who are the
persecutors of them that are good; haters of truth; lovers of lies; who know
not the reward of righteousness, nor cleave to any thing that is good.
4 Who administer not righteous judgment
to the widow and orphan; who watch for wickedness, and not for the fear of the
Lord;
5 From whom gentleness and patience
are far off: who love vanity, and follow after rewards; having no compassion
upon the poor; nor take any pains for such as are heavy laden and oppressed.
6 Ready to evil speaking, not knowing
him that made them; murderers of children; corrupters of the creature of God;
that turn away from the needy; oppress the afflicted; are the advocates of the rich,
but unjust judges of the poor; being altogether sinners.
7 It is therefore fitting that learning
the just commands of the Lord, which we have before mentioned, we should walk
in them. For he who does such things shall be glorified in the kingdom of God
8 But he that chooses the other part,
shall be destroyed, together with his works. For this cause there shall be both
a resurrection, and a retribution.
9 I beseech those that are in high
estate among you, (if so be you will take the counsel which with a good intention
I offer to you,) you have those with you towards whom you may do good; do not
forsake them.
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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