The Epistle of Barnabas

Barnabae epistula

Barnabas. The Apostolic Fathers with an English Translation In Two Volumes. Vol. I. Lake, Kirsopp, translator. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1912.

Moreover, my brethren, if the Lord endured to suffer for our life, though he is the Lord of all the world, to whom God said before the foundation of the world, Let us make man in our image and likeness, how, then, did he endure to suffer at the hand of man?

Learn:—The Prophets who received grace from hifn prophesied of him, and he, in order that he might destroy death, and show forth the Resurrection from the dead, because he needs must be made manifest in the

flesh endured

in order to fulfil the promise made to the fathers, and himself prepare for himself the new people and show while he was on earth that he himself will raise the dead and judge the risen.

Furthermore, while teaching Israel and doing such great signs and wonders he preached to them and loved them greatly;

but when he chose out his own Apostles who were to preach his Gospel, he chose those who were iniquitous above all sin to show that he came not to call the righteous but sinners,—then he manifested himself as God’s Son.

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.