top of page
The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian text, written between the 1st and 2nd centuries. It hastraditionallybeen attributed to the Apostle Barnabas, a prominent companion of Saint Paul during his missionary journeys and a key figure in the early Church, known for his significant role in the Council of Jerusalem and his dedication to evangelizing both Jews and Gentiles. The content of the epistle is divided into two main sections. The first part develops the idea that the Mosaic Law was misunderstood by the Jews, arguing that the precepts of the Old Testament should not be understood literally but symbolically, as foreshadowing Christ and His redemptive work. Thus, topics such as sacrifice, circumcision, and dietary laws acquire new meaning when read in the light of the Gospel and the figure of Christ. In the second section, the “Doctrine of the Two Ways” is presented. The Way of Light leads to salvation and is characterized by virtues such as justice, kindness, and humility. On the other side, the Way of Darkness leads to perdition and is marked by sin, idolatry, and moral corruption.

Epistle of Barnabas

Apostle Barnabas

The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian text, written between the 1st and 2nd centuries. It hastraditionallybeen attributed to the Apostle Barnabas, a prominent companion of Saint Paul during his missionary journeys and a key figure in the early Church, known for his significant role in the Council of Jerusalem and his dedication to evangelizing both Jews and Gentiles.

The content of the epistle is divided into two main sections. The first part develops the idea that the Mosaic Law was misunderstood by the Jews, arguing that the precepts of the Old Testament should not be understood literally but symbolically, as foreshadowing Christ and His redemptive work.

Thus, topics such as sacrifice, circumcision, and dietary laws acquire new meaning when read in the light of the Gospel and the figure of Christ.

In the second section, the “Doctrine of the Two Ways” is presented. The Way of Light leads to salvation and is characterized by virtues such as justice, kindness, and humility. On the other side, the Way of Darkness leads to perdition and is marked by sin, idolatry, and moral corruption.

bottom of page