The Epistle of Barnabas

For if he had not come in the flesh men could in no way have been saved by beholding him; seeing that they have not the power when they look at the sun to gaze straight at its rays, though it is destined to perish, and is the work of his hands.

So then the Son of God came in the flesh for this reason, that he might complete the total of the sins of those who persecuted his prophets to death.

For this cause he endured. For God says of the chastisement of his flesh that it is from them: When they shall smite their shepherd, then the sheep of the flock shall be destroyed.

And he was willing to suffer thus, for it was necessary that he should suffer on a tree, for the Prophet says of him, Spare my soul from the sword and, Nail my flesh, for the synagogues of the wicked have risen against me.

And again he says: Lo, I have given my back to scourges, and my cheeks to strokes, and I have set my face as a solid rock.

When therefore he made the commandment[*](Proofs from the Prophets) what does he say? Who is he that comes into court! with me? Let him oppose me; or, who is he that seeks justice against me? Let him draw near to the Lord’s servant.

Woe unto you, for ye shall all wax old as a garment and the moth shall eat you up. And again the Prophet says that he was placed as a strong stone for crushing, Lo, I will place for the foundations of Sion a precious stone, chosen out, a chief corner stone, honourable.

Then what does he say? And he that hopetli on it shall live for ever. Is then our hope on a stone? God forbid. But he means that the Lord placed his flesh in strength. For he says, And he placed me as a solid rock.

And again the Prophet says, The stone which the builders rejected, this is become the head of the corner, and again he says, This is the great and wonderful day which the Lord made.

I write to you more simply that you may understand: I am devoted to your love.