The Epistle of Barnabas: Allegory, Conflict, and the Spiritual Roots of Alexandria

Join us for a deep dive into one of the most compelling and controversial works of the early Church: The Epistle of Barnabas. Written between AD 70 and AD 135, this powerful Greek text offers a unique window into the theological world of sub-apostolic Christianity. While traditionally ascribed to St. Paul's companion Barnabas, it is now generally attributed to an unknown early Christian teacher, likely writing from Alexandria, Egypt, due to its fervent use of allegorical interpretation.

A note for listeners: This historical document, the Epistle of Barnabas, must not be confused with the later, much different document known as the Gospel of Barnabas, which is a 15th-century work.

The Epistle is crucial for understanding how early Christians distinguished themselves from their Jewish heritage. Its central message is that the Old Testament Scriptures were written for Christians, and the Jews tragically misinterpreted them by following the Law literally. The author argues that God never truly desired animal sacrifices or physical circumcision, which were abolished so that the new law of Christ could have a "human oblation". Instead, Old Testament practices—from dietary laws (like avoiding the swine or the hare) to rituals involving the scapegoat and red heifer—are interpreted through profound gnosis (knowledge) as spiritual prophecies foreshadowing Jesus Christ.

The Epistle details how figures, symbols, and even gematria (numerical value of letters, such as T-I-H representing 318, symbolizing Jesus and the Cross) reveal Christ's suffering and the new covenant. The author firmly states that the original covenant was broken by the people (the Golden Calf incident) and thus passed to Christians, "the people of inheritance".

Finally, the Epistle concludes with the vital practical teaching of "The Two Ways": the Way of Light, focusing on righteousness and good works; and the Way of Darkness, which leads to eternal death and includes actions like idolatry, murder of children, and hypocrisy.

Though the Epistle of Barnabas is not included in the Coptic Orthodox biblical canon, it is highly valued within the tradition for private reading and moral exhortation, reflecting the allegorical methods favored by Alexandrian Fathers like Clement and Origen.

Tune in to explore this ancient text and understand its dramatic impact on early Christian thought and identity!