Apostolic Fathers
Epistle of Barnabas
Anonymous (attributed to Barnabas) · c. 70 – 132
Historical Context
An anonymous Alexandrian-style treatise read in some early churches as Scripture (it appears in Codex Sinaiticus).
Summary
Barnabas reads the Old Testament typologically and allegorically, arguing that the Mosaic law was always intended to point to Christ. The work closes with a 'Two Ways' section paralleling the Didache.
Major Themes
- Typology
- Christological reading of the Old Testament
- Two Ways
- Sabbath and Lord's Day
Important Quotations
“The Lord made all things new, foretelling that He would make us new.”— Barnabas 6
Related Church Fathers
Primary Sources
Further Reading
- James Carleton Paget, The Epistle of Barnabas: Outlook and Background