The Epistle of Barnabas

It is ours: but in this way did they finally lose k when Moses had just received it, for the Scripture says: And Moses was in the mount fasting forty days and forty nights, and he received the covenant from the Lord, tables of stone written with the finger of the hand of the Lord.

But they turned to idols and lost it. For thus saith the Lord: Moses, Moses, go down quickly, for thy people, whom thou broughtest forth out of the land of Egypt, have broken the Law. And Moses understood and cast the two tables out of his hands, and their covenant was broken, in order that the covenant of Jesus the Beloved should be sealed in our hearts in hope of his faith.

(And though I wish to write much, I hasten to write in devotion to you, not as a teacher, but as it becomes one who loves to leave out nothing of that which we have.)[*](It is possible that the odd change of construction is due to some reference to a well known maxim: but the source of such quotation or reference has not been found.) Wherefore[*](Admonition to stedfastness) let us pay heed in the last days, for the whole

Let us flee from all vanity, let us utterly hate the deeds of the path of wickedness. Do not by retiring apart live alone as if you were already made righteous, but come together and seek out the common good.

For the Scripture says: Woe to them who are prudent for themselves and understanding in their own sight. Let us be spiritual, let us be a temple consecrated to God, so far as in us lies let us exercise ourselves in the fear of God, and let us strive to keep his commandments in order that we may rejoice in his ordinances.

The Lord will judge the world without respect of persons. Each will receive according to his deeds. If he be good his righteousness will lead him, if he be evil the reward of iniquity is before him.