The Suppressed Gospels and Epistles of the Original New Testament of Jesus the Christ by William Wake

Author:William Wake [Wake, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 2940011831492
Goodreads: 10196137
Published: 2004-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

but as one of you, will endeavour

to lay before you a few things by which you may, on many accounts,

become the more joyful.

CHAPTER II.

That God has abolished the legal sacrifices,

to introduce the spiritual righteousness of the Gospel.

SEEING then the days are

exceedingly evil, and the

adversary has got the power of this

present world we ought to give the

more diligence to inquire into the

righteous judgments of the Lord.

2 Now the assistants of our

faith are fear and patience; our

fellow-combatants, long suffering

and continence.

3 Whilst these remain pure

in what relates unto the Lord,

wisdom, and understanding, and

science, and knowledge, rejoice

together with them.

4 For God has manifested to us

by all the prophets, that he has no

occasion for our sacrifices, or

burnt-offerings, or oblations:

saying thus; To what purpose is

the multitude of your sacrifices

unto me, saith the Lord.

5 I am full of the burnt-offerings

of rams, and the fat of fed beasts;

and I delight not in the blood of

bullocks, or of he-goats.

6 When ye come to appear

before me, who hath required

this at your hands? Ye shall no

more tread my courts.

7 Bring no more vain oblations,

incense is an abomination unto me

your new moons and sabbaths,

and the calling of assemblies

I cannot bear with, it is iniquity,

even the solemn meeting; your

new moons and your appointed

feasts my soul hateth.

8 These things therefore hath

God abolished, that the new law

of our Lord Jesus Christ, which

is without the yoke of any such

necessity, might have the spiritual

offering of, men themselves.

9 For so the Lord saith again

to those heretofore; Did I at all

command your fathers when they

came out of the land of Egypt

concerning burnt-offerings of

sacrifices?

10 But this I commanded them,

saying, Let none of you imagine

evil in your hearts against his

neighbour, and love no false oath.

11 Forasmuch then as we are

not without understanding, we

ought to apprehend the design of

our merciful Father. For he

speaks to us, being willing that

we who have been in the same

error about the sacrifices, should

seek and find how to approach

unto him.

12 And therefore he thus

bespeaks us, The sacrifice of God

(is a broken spirit,) a broken and

contrite heart—God will not despise.

13 Wherefore brethren, we ought

the more diligently to inquire

after those things that belong

to our salvation, that the

adversary may not have any

entrance into us, and deprive

us of our spiritual life.

14 Wherefore he again speaketh

to them, concerning these things;

Ye shall not fast as ye do this day,

to make your voice to be heard on high.

15 Is it such a fast that I have

chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his

head like a bulrush, and to spread

sackcloth and ashes under him?

Wilt thou call this a fast, and an

acceptable day to the Lord?

16 But to us he saith on this

wise: Is not this the fast that I

have chosen, to loose the bands of

wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens,

and to let the oppressed go free:

and that ye break every yoke?

17 Is it not to deal thy bread

to the hungry, and that thou bring

the poor that are cast out to thy

house? When thou seest the naked

that thou cover him, and that thou

hide not thyself from thy own

flesh.

18 Then shall thy light break

forth as the morning, and thy

health shall spring forth speedily;

and thy righteousness shall go

before thee; the glory of the Lord

shall be thy reward.

19 Then shalt thou call and

the Lord shall answer; thou shalt

cry and he shall say, Here I am;

if thou put away from the midst of

thee the yoke; the putting forth

of the finger, and speaking vanity;

and if thou draw out thy soul to

the hungry; and satisfy the

afflicted soul.

20 In this, therefore, brethren,

God has manifested his foreknowledge

and love for us; because the

people which he has purchased to

his beloved Son were to believe

in sincerity; and therefore he has

shown these things to all of us,

that we should not run as

proselytes to the Jewish Law.

CHAPTER III.

The prophecies of Daniel concerning the ten kings, and the coming of Christ.

WHEREFORE it is necessary

that searching diligently into

those things which are soon to

come to pass, we should write to

you what may serve to keep you

whole.

2 To which end, let us flee from

every evil work and hate the errors

of the present time, that we may

be happy in that which is to come.

3 Let us not give ourselves the

liberty of disputing with the wicked and sinners; lest we should chance

in time to become like unto them.

4 For the consummation of sin

is come, as it is written, as the

prophet Daniel says. And for this

end the Lord hath shortened the

times and the days, that his

beloved might hasten his coming

to his inheritance.

5 For so the prophet speaks;

There shall ten kings reign in

the heart, and there shall rise last

of all another little one, and he

shall humble three kings.

6 And again Daniel speaks in

like manner concerning the kingdoms;

and I saw the fourth beast dreadful

and terrible, and strong exceedingly;

and it had ten horns. I considered

the horns, and behold there came up

among them another little horn,

before which were three of the first

horns plucked up by the roots.

7 We ought therefore to understand

this also: And I beseech you, as one

of your own brethren, loving you all

beyond my own life, that you look

well to yourselves, and be not like

to those who add sin to sin, and say;

That their covenant is ours also.

Nay, but it is ours only: for they

have forever lost that which Moses

received.

8 For thus saith the Scripture

And Moses continued fasting forty

days and forty nights in the Mount;

and he received the covenant from

the Lord, even the two tables of

stone, written by the hand of God.

9 But having turned themselves

to idols they lost it; as the Lord

also said to Moses; Moses, go

down quickly, for thy people which

thou hast brought forth out of

Egypt, have corrupted themselves,

and turned aside from the way

which I commanded them. And

Moses cast the two tables out of

his hands; and their covenant was

broken; that the love of Jesus

might be sealed in your hearts,

unto the hope of his faith.

10 Wherefore let us give heed

unto the last times. For all the

time past of our life and our faith,

will profit us nothing; unless we

continue to hate what is evil, and

to withstand the future temptations.

So the Son of God tells us; Let us

resist all iniquity and hate it.

11 Wherefore consider the works

of the evil way. Do not withdraw

yourselves from others as if you

were already justified; but coming

altogether into one place, inquire

what is agreeable to and profitable for the beloved of God. For the

Scripture saith; Woe unto them

that are wise in their own eyes;

and prudent in their sight.

12 Let us become spiritually a

perfect temple to God. As much

as in us lies let us meditate upon

the fear of God; and strive to the

utmost of our power to keep his

commandments; that we may rejoice

in his righteous judgments.

13 For God will judge the world

without respect of persons and

everyone shall receive according

to his works.

14 If a man shall be good, his

righteousness shall go before him

if wicked, the reward of his

wickedness shall follow him.

15 Take heed therefore lest

sitting still now, that when we are

called, we fall asleep in our sins;

and the wicked one getting the

dominion over us, stir us up, and

shut us out of the kingdom of the

Lord.

16 Consider this also: although

you have seen so great signs and

wonders done among the people

of the Jews, yet this notwithstanding

the Lord hath forsaken them.

17 Beware, therefore, lest it

happen to us; as it is written

There may be many called, but

few chosen.

CHAPTER IV.

That Christ was to suffer is proved

from the prophecies concerning him.

For this cause did our Lord

vouchsafe to give up his body

to destruction, that through the

forgiveness of our sins we might

be sanctified; that is, by the

sprinkling of his blood.

2 Now for what concerns the

things that are written about him,

some belong to the people of the

Jews, and some to us.

3 For thus saith the Scripture;

He was wounded for our transgressions,

he was bruised for our iniquities,

and by his blood we are healed.

He was led as a lamb to the

slaughter, and as a sheep before

his shearers is dumb, so he

opened not his mouth.

4 Wherefore we ought the more

to give thanks unto God, for that

he hath both declared unto us

what is passed, and not suffered

us to be without understanding of

those things that are to come.

5 But to them he saith; The

nets are not unjustly spread for

the birds.

6 This he spake, because a man

will justly perish, if having the

knowledge of the way of truth, he

shall nevertheless not refrain

himself from the way of darkness.

7 And for this cause the Lord

was content to suffer for our souls,

although he be the Lord of the

whole earth; to whom God said

before the beginning of the world,

Let us make man after our own

image and likeness.

8 Now how he suffered for us,

seeing it was by men that he

underwent it, I will shew you.

9 The prophets having received

from him the gifts of prophecy,

spake before concerning him:

10 But he, that he might

abolish death, and make known the

resurrection from the dead, was

content, as it was necessary, to

appear in the flesh, that he might

make good the promise before given

to our fathers, and preparing

himself a new people, might

demonstrate to them whilst he was

upon earth, that after the

resurrection he would judge

the world.

11 And finally, teaching the

people of Israel, and doing many

wonders and signs among them,

he preached to them, and shewed

the exceeding great love which

he bare towards them.

12 And when he chose his apostles,

which were afterwards to publish

his Gospel, he took men who had

been very great sinners; that

thereby he might plainly shew

That he came not to call the

righteous but sinners to

repentance.

13 Then he clearly manifested

himself to be the Son of God.

For had he not come in the flesh,

how should men have been able to

look upon him, that they might be

saved?

14 Seeing that if they beheld

only the sun, which was the work of his hands, and shall hereafter

cease to be, they are not able to

endure steadfastly to look against

the rays of it;

15 Wherefore the Son of God

came in the flesh for this cause,

that he might fill up the measure

of their iniquity, who have

persecuted his prophets unto

death. And for the same reason

also he suffered.

16 For God hath said of the

stripes of his flesh, that they were

from them. And, I will smite the

shepherd, and the sheep of the

flock shall be scattered.

17 Thus he would suffer, because

it behoved him to suffer upon the

cross.

18 For thus one saith,

prophesying concerning him;

Spare my soul from the sword.

And again, My flesh trembleth

for fear.

19 And again, the congregation

of wicked doers rose up against

me, (They have pierced my

hands and my feet).

20 And again he saith, I gave

my back to the smiters, and my

face I set as a hard rock.

CHAPTER V.

The subject continued.

And when he had fulfilled the

commandment of God, What

says he? Who will contend with

me? Let him stand against me

or who is he that will implead

me? Let him draw near to the

servant of the Lord. Woe be to

you! Because ye shall all wax

old as a garment, the moth

shall eat you up.

2 And again adds the prophet,

He is put for a stone of

stumbling. Behold I lay in Zion

for a foundation, a precious

stone a choice corner-stone;

an honourable stone. And what

follows? And he that hopeth

in him shall live for ever.

3 What then? Is our hope built

upon a stone? God forbid. But

because the Lord hath hardened

his flesh against sufferings, he saith, I have put me as a firm

rock.

4 And again the prophet adds;

The stone which the builders

refused has become the head of

the corner. And again he saith

This is the great and wonderful

day which the Lord hath made.

I write these things the more

plainly to you that ye may

understand: I For indeed I

could be content even to die

for your sakes.

5 But what saith the prophet

again; The counsel of the wicked

encompassed me about. They

came about me, as bees about the

honey-comb: and, Upon my vesture

they cast lots.

6 Forasmuch then as our Saviour

was to appear in the flesh and

suffer, his passion was hereby

foretold.

7 For thus saith the prophet

against Israel: “Woe be to their

soul because they have taken

wicked counsel against themselves,

saying; let us lay snares for the

righteous, because he is

unprofitable to us.”

8 Moses also in like manner

speaketh to them; Behold thus

saith the Lord God; Enter ye

into the good land of which the

Lord hath sworn to Abraham, and

Isaac, and Jacob, that he would

give it you, and possess it; a land

flowing with milk and honey.

9 Now what the spiritual meaning

of this is, learn; It is as if it

had been said, Put your trust in

Jesus, who shall be manifested to

you in the flesh. For man is the

earth which suffers: forasmuch

as out of the substance of the

earth Adam was formed.

10 What therefore does he mean

when he says, Into a good land

flowing with milk and honey?

Blessed be our Lord, who has

given us wisdom, and a heart to

understand his secrets. For so

says the prophet, “Who shall

understand the hard sayings of the

Lord? But he that is wise, and

intelligent, and that loves his

Lord.”

11 Seeing therefore he has

renewed us by the remission of our

sins, he has put us into another

frame, that we should have souls

like those of children, forming

us again himself by the spirit.

12 For thus the Scripture saith concerning us, where it introduceth

the Father speaking to the Son;

Let us make man after our likeness

and similitude; and let them have

dominion over the beasts of the

earth, and over the fowls of the

air, and the fish of the sea.

13 And when the Lord saw the

man which he had formed, that

behold he was very good; he said,

Increase and multiply, and

replenish the earth. And this

he spake to his son.

14 I will now show you, how he

made us a new creature, in the

latter days.

15 The Lord saith; Behold I

will make the last as the first.

Wherefore the prophet thus spake,

Enter into the land flowing with

milk and honey, and have dominion

over it.

16 Wherefore ye see how we

are again formed anew; as also

he speaks by another prophet;

Behold saith the Lord, I will take

from them; that is, from those

whom the spirit I of the Lord

foresaw, their hearts of stone,

and I will put into them hearts

of flesh.

17 Because he was about to be

made manifest in the flesh and to

dwell in us.

18 For, my brethren, the

habitation of our heart is a ‘holy

temple unto the Lord. For the prophet

saith again, In what place shall I

appear before the Lord my God,

and be glorified?

19 He answers I will confess

unto thee in the congregation in

the midst of my brethren; and will

sing unto thee in the church of

the saints:

20 Wherefore we are they whom

he has brought into that good land.

21 But what signifies the milk

and honey? Because as the child

is nourished first with milk, and

then with honey; so we being

kept alive by the belief of his

promises and his word, shall live

and have dominion over the land.

22 For he foretold before, saying,

increase and multiply, and have

dominion over the beasts, fishes,

and birds.

23 But who is there that is now

able to have this dominion over

the wild beasts, or fishes, or fowls

of the air? For you know that to rule, is to have power; that a man

should be set over what he rules.

24 But forasmuch as this we

have not now, he tells us when we

shall have it; namely, when we

shall become perfect, that we may

be made the inheritors of the

covenant of the Lord.

CHAPTER VI.

The sacrifice of Jesus, and of a goat,

an evident type of Christ crucified.

UNDERSTAND then my beloved

children, that the good God hath

before manifested all things unto

us, that we might know to whom

we ought always to give thanks

and praise.

2 If therefore the Son of God

who is the Lord of all, and shall

come to judge both the quick and

dead, hath suffered, that by his

stripes we might live; let us

believe that the Son of God could

not have suffered but for us. But

being crucified, they gave him

vinegar and gall to drink.

3 Hear therefore how the priests

of the temple did foreshow this

also: the Lord by his command

which was written, declared that

whosoever did not fast the

appointed fast he should die the

death: because he also was himself

one day to offer up his body for

our sins; that so the type of

what was done in Isaac might be

fulfilled, who was offered upon the

altar.

4 What therefore is it that he

says by the prophet? And let

them eat of the goat which is

offered in the day of the fast for

all their sins. Hearken diligently,

(my brethren,) and all the priests,

and they only shall eat the inwards

not washed with vinegar.

5 Why so? because I know

that when I shall hereafter offer

my flesh for the sins of a new

people, ye will give me vinegar to

drink mixed with gall; therefore

do ye only eat, the people fasting

the while, and lamenting in

sackcloth and ashes.

6 And that he might foreshow

that he was to suffer for them,

hear then how he appointed it.

7 Take, says he, two goats, fair and alike, and offer them; and let

the high priest take one of them

for a burnt offering. And what

shalt be done with the other? Let

it, says he, be accursed.

8 Consider how exactly this

appears to have been a type of

Jesus. And let all the congregation

spit upon it, and prick it; and

put the scarlet wool about its

head; and thus let it be carried

forth into the wilderness.

9 And this being done, he that

was appointed to convey the goat,

led it into the wilderness, and

took away the scarlet wool, and

put it upon a thorn bush, whose

young sprouts, when we find

them in the field, we are wont to

eat: so the fruit of that thorn

only is sweet.

10 And to what end was this

ceremony? Consider; one was

offered upon the altar, the

other was accursed.

11 And why was that which was

accursed crowned? Because they

shall see Christ on that day having

a scarlet garment about his body;

and shall say: Is not this he whom

we crucified; having despised him,

pierced him, mocked him? Certainly, this is he, who then said,

that he was the Son of God.

12 As therefore he shall be

then like to what he was on

earth, so were the Jews heretofore

commanded, to take two goats fair

and equal; that when they shall

see (our Saviour) hereafter coming

(in the clouds of heaven), they may

be amazed at the likeness of the

goats.

13 Wherefore ye here again

see a type of Jesus who was to

suffer for us.

14 But what then signifies this,

That the wool was to be put into

the midst of the thorns?

15 This also is a figure of Jesus,

set out to the church. For as he who

would take away the scarlet wool

must undergo many difficulties,

because that thorn was very sharp,

and with difficulty get it: So,

says Christ, they that will see me,

and come to my kingdom, must

through many afflictions and

troubles attain unto me.

CHAPTER VII.

The red heifer, another type of Christ.

BUT what type do ye suppose

it to have been, where it is

commanded to the people of Israel,

that grown persons in whom sins

are come to perfection, should

offer an heifer, and after they had

killed it should burn the same;

2 But then young men should

take up the ashes and put them in

vessels; and tie a piece of scarlet

wool and hyssop upon a stick, and

so the young men should sprinkle

every one of the people, and they

should be clear from their sins?

3 Consider how all these are

delivered in a figure to us.

4 This heifer is Jesus Christ;

the wicked men that were to offer

it are those sinners who brought

him to death; who afterwards have

no more to do with it: for the

sinners have no more the honour

of handling it:

5 But the young men that performed

the sprinkling, signified those who

preach to us the forgiveness of

sins, and the purification of the heart, to whom the Lord gave

authority to preach his Gospel:

being at the beginning twelve,

to signify the tribes, because

there were twelve tribes of Israel.

6 But why were there three

young men appointed to sprinkle?

To denote Abraham, and Isaac,

and Jacob, because they were

great before God.

7 And why was the wool put

upon a stick? Because the kingdom

of Jesus was founded upon the cross;

and therefore they that put their

trust in him, shall live for ever.

8 But why was the wool and

hyssop put together? To signify

that in the kingdom of Christ there

shall be evil and filthy days, in

which however, we shall be saved;

and because he that has any disease

in the flesh by some filthy humours,

is cured by hyssop.

9 Wherefore these things being

thus done, are to us indeed evident,

but to the Jews they are obscure;

because they hearkened not unto

the voice of the Lord.

CHAPTER VIII.

Of the circumcision of the ears and how in the

first institution of circumcision Abraham

mystically foretold Christ by name.

AND therefore the Scripture

again speaks concerning our

ears, that God has circumcised

them, together with our hearts.

For thus saith the Lord by the

holy prophet: By the hearing of

the ear they obeyed me.

2 And again, They who are afar

off, shall hear and understand

what things I have done. And

again, Circumcise your hearts,

saith the Lord.

3 And again he saith, Hear O

Israel! For thus saith the Lord

thy God. And again the Spirit of

God prophesieth, saying: Who is

there that would live for ever, let

him hear the voice of my Son.

4 And again, Hear, O Heavens,

and give ear O Earth! Because

the Lord has spoken these things

for a witness.

5 And again, he saith, Hear

the word of the Lord, ye princes of the people. And again, Hear

O children! The voice of one

crying in the wilderness.

6 Wherefore he has circumcised

our ears, that we should hear his

word, and believe. But as for

that circumcision, in which the

Jews trust, it is abolished: for the

circumcision of which God spake,

was not of the flesh.

7 But they have transgressed

his commands, because the evil

one hath deceived them. For

thus God bespeaks them; Thus

saith the Lord your God, (Here I

find the new law) Sow not among

thorns; but circumcise yourselves

to the Lord your God. And what

doth he mean by this saying?

Hearken unto your Lord.

8 And again he saith, Circumcise

the hardness of your heart, and

harden not your neck. And again,

Behold, saith the Lord, all the

nations are uncircumcised, (they

have not lost their fore-skin): but

this people is uncircumcised in

heart.

9 But you will say the Jews

were circumcised for a sign. And

so are all the Syrians and Arabians,

and all the idolatrous priests: but

are they therefore of the covenant of Israel? And even the Egyptians

themselves are circumcised.

10 Understand therefore, children,

these things more fully, that

Abraham was the first, that

brought in circumcision, looking

forward in the Spirit, to Jesus;

circumcised, having received the

mystery of three letters.

11 For the Scripture says that

Abraham circumcised three hundred

and eighteen men of his house.

But what therefore was the mystery

that was made known unto him!

12 Mark, first the eighteen, and

next the three hundred. For the

numeral letters of ten and eight

are T H. And these denote Jesus.

13 And because the cross was

that by which we were to find

grace, therefore he adds, three

hundred; the note of which is T

(the figure of his cross).

Wherefore by two letters he

signified Jesus, and by the

third his cross.

14 He who has put the engrafted

gift of his doctrine within us,

knows that I never taught to

anyone a more certain truth: but I

trust that ye are worthy of it.

CHAPTER IX.

That the commands of Moses concerning clean and unclean beasts, were all designed for a spiritual signification.

BUT why did Moses say Ye

shall not eat of the swine,

neither the eagle nor the hawk;

nor the crow; nor any fish that

has not a scale upon him?—I

answer that, in the spiritual sense,

he comprehended three doctrines,

that were to be gathered from

thence.

2 Besides which he says to them

in the book of Deuteronomy, And

I will give my statutes unto this

people. Wherefore it is not the

command of God that they should

not eat these things; but Moses in

the spirit spake unto them.

3 Now the sow he forbad them

to eat; meaning thus much: Thou

shalt not join thyself to such

persons as are like unto swine,

who, whilst they live in pleasure,

forget their God; but when any want pinches them, then they know the

Lord: as the sow when she is full

knows not her master, but when

she is hungry she makes a noise;

and being again fed, is silent.

4 Neither, says he, shalt thou

eat the eagle, nor the hawk, nor

the kite, nor the crow; that is,

thou shalt not keep company with

such kind of men as know not how

by their labour and sweat to get

themselves food; but injuriously

ravish away the things of others,

and watch how to lay snares for

them; when at the same time they

appear to live in perfect innocence.

3 So these birds alone (seek not

food for themselves,) but sitting

idle, seek how they may eat of the

flesh others have provided being

destructive through their

wickedness.

6 Neither, says he, shalt thou

eat the lamprey, nor the polypus,

nor the cuttle-fish; that is thou

shalt not be like such men, by

seeking to converse with them

who are altogether wicked and

adjudged to death. For so those

fishes are alone accursed, that

wallow in the mire, nor swim as other

fishes, but tumble in the dirt at

the bottom of the deep.

7 But, he adds, neither shalt

thou eat of the hare. To what

end?—To signify this to us;

Thou shalt not be an adulterer,

nor liken thyself to such persons.

For the hare every year multiplies

the places of its conception; and

as many years as it lives, so many

it has.

8 Neither shalt thou eat of the

hyena: that is, again, be not an

adulterer, nor a corrupter of

others; neither be like to such.

And wherefore so?—Because that

creature every year changes its

kind, which is sometimes male

and sometimes female.

9 For which cause also he justly

hated the weazel; to the end that

they should not be like such

persons who with their mouths

commit wickedness by reason of

their uncleanness; nor join

themselves with those impure women,

who with their mouths commit

wickedness. Because that animal

conceives with its mouth.

10 Moses, therefore, speaking

as concerning meats, delivered

indeed three great precepts to

them in the spiritual signification

of those commands. But they

according to the desires of the

flesh, understood him as if he

had only meant it of meats.

11 And therefore David took

aright the knowledge of his

three-fold command, saying in

like manner:

12 Blessed is the man that hath

not walked in the counsel of the

ungodly; as the fishes before

mentioned in the bottom of the

deep, in darkness.

13 Nor stood in the way of

sinners, as they who seem to fear

the Lord, but yet sin, as the sow.

14 And hath not sat in the seat

of the scorners; as those birds

who sit and watch that they may

devour.

15 Here you have the law

concerning meat perfectly set

forth and according to the

true knowledge of it.

16 But, says Moses, ye shall

eat all that divideth the hoof, and

cheweth the cud. Signifying

thereby such an one as having

taken his food, knows him that

nourisheth him; and resting upon

him, rejoiceth in him.

17 And in this he spake well,

having respect to the commandment.

What, therefore, is it that

he says?—That we should hold

fast to them that fear the Lord;

with those who meditate on the

command of the word which they

have received, in their heart;

with those that declare the

righteous judgments of the Lord,

and keep his commandments;

18 In short, with those who

know that to meditate is a work

of pleasure, and therefore exercise

themselves in the word of the

Lord.

19 But why might they eat

those that clave the hoof?

Because the righteous liveth in this

present world; but his expectation

is fixed upon the other. See,

brethren, how admirably Moses

commanded these things.

20 But how should we thus

know all this, and understand it?

We, therefore, understanding

aright the commandments, speak

as the Lord would have us.

Wherefore he has circumcised our

ears and our hearts, that we might

know these things.

CHAPTER X.

Baptism and the cross of Christ

foretold in figures under the law.

LET us now inquire whether

the Lord took care to manifest

anything beforehand concerning water

and the cross.

2 Now for the former of these,

it is written to the people of

Israel how they shall not receive

that baptism which brings to

forgiveness of sins; but shall

institute another to themselves

that cannot.

3 For thus saith the prophet:

Be astonished, O Heaven! and

let the earth tremble at it, because

this people have done two great

and wicked things: they have left

me, the fountain of living water,

and have digged for themselves

broken cisterns, that can hold no

water.

4 Is my holy mountain of Zion,

a desolate wilderness? For ye

shall be as a young bird when its

nest is taken away.

5 And again the prophet saith,

I will go before thee, and will

make plain the mountains, and

will break the gates of brass, and

will snap in sunder the bars of

iron; and will give thee dark,

and hidden, and invisible

treasures, that they may know

that I am the Lord God.

6 And again: he shall dwell

in the high den of the strong

rock. And then, what follows in

the same prophet? His water is

faithful; ye shall see the king

with glory, and your soul shall

learn the fear of the Lord.

7 And again he saith in another

prophet: He that does these

things; I shall be like a tree

planted by the currents of water,

which shall give its fruit in its

season. Its leaf also shall not

wither, and whatsoever he doth

it shall prosper.

8 As for the wicked it is not

so with them; but they are as the

dust which the wind scattereth

away from the face of the earth.

9 Therefore the ungodly shall

not stand in the judgment, neither

the sinners in the council of the

righteous. For the Lord knoweth

the way of the righteous, and the way of the ungodly shall perish.

10 Consider how he has joined

both the cross and the water

together.

11 For this he saith: Blessed

are they who put their trust in the

cross, and descend into the water;

for they shall have their reward in

due time: then, saith he, will I

give it them.

12 But as concerning the present

time, he saith, their leaves shall

not fall: meaning thereby, that

every word that shall go out of

your mouth, shall through faith

and charity be to the conversion

and hope of many.

13 In like manner doth another

prophet speak. And the land of

Jacob was the praise of all the

earth; magnifying thereby the

vessel of his spirit.

14 And what follows?—And

there was a river running on the

right hand, and beautiful trees

grew up by it; and he that shall

eat of them shall live for ever.

The signification of which is this

that we go down into the water

full of sins and pollutions, but

come up again, bringing forth

fruit; having in our hearts the

fear and hope which is in Jesus,

by the spirit. And whosoever

shall eat of them shall live for

ever.

15 That is, whosoever shall

hearken to those who call them, and

shall believe, shall live for ever.

CHAPTER XI.

The subject continued.

IN like manner he determines

concerning the cross in another

prophet, saying: And when shall

these things be fulfilled?

2 The Lord answers: When the

tree that is fallen shall rise, and

when blood shall drop down from

the tree. Here you have again

mention made, both of the cross,

and of him that was to be crucified

upon it.

3 And yet farther he saith by

Moses; (when Israel was fighting

with, and beaten by, a strange

people; to the end that God might

put them in mind how that for

their sins they were delivered unto

death) yea, the holy spirit put it

into the heart of Moses, to represent

both the sign of the cross, and of

him that was to suffer: that so

they might know that if they did

not believe in him, they should be

overcome for ever.

4 Moses therefore I piled up

armour upon armour in the middle

of a rising ground, and standing

up high above all of them, stretched

forth his arms, and so Israel again

conquered.

5 But no sooner did he let down

his hands, but they were again

slain. And why so?—To the end

they might know, that except they

trust in him they cannot be saved.

6 And in another prophet, he

saith, I have stretched out my

hands all the day long to a people

disobedient, and speaking against

my righteous way.

7 And again Moses makes a

type of Jesus, to show that he was

to die, and then that he, whom

they thought to be dead, was to

give life to others; in the type

of those that fell in Israel.

8 For God caused all sorts of

serpents to bite them, and they

died: forasmuch as by a serpent

transgression began in Eve; that

so he might convince them that

for their transgressions they shall

be delivered into the pain of death.

9 Moses then himself, who had

commanded them, saying, Ye shall

not make to yourselves any graven

or molten image, to be your God

yet now did so himself, that he

might represent to them the figure

of the Lord Jesus.

10 For he made a brazen

serpent, and set it up on high,

and called the people together

by a proclamation: where being come,

they entreated Moses that he would

make an atonement for them, and

pray that they might be healed.

11 Then Moses spake unto them,

saying: when any one among you

shall be bitten, let him come unto

the serpent that is set upon the

pole; and let him assuredly trust

in him, that though he be dead,

yet he is able to give life, and

presently he shall be saved; and so

they did. See therefore how here

also you have in this the glory of

Jesus; and that in him and to

him are all things.

12 Again; What says Moses to

Joshua, the Son of Nun, when he

gave that name unto him, as being

a prophet, that all the people might

hear him alone? Because the

father did manifest all things

concerning his son Jesus, in Joshua,

the Son of Nun; and gave him

that name when he sent him to spy

out the land of Canaan, saying;

Take a book in thine hands,

and write what the Lord saith.

Forasmuch as Jesus the Son of God

shall in the last days cut off by the

roots all the house of Amalek, see

here again Jesus, not the son of

man, but the Son of God, made

manifest in a type, and in the flesh.

13 But because it might hereafter

be said that Christ was the

Son of David; therefore David

fearing and well knowing the errors

of the wicked, saith; the Lord

said unto my Lord, sit thou on my

right hand until I make thine

enemies thy footstool.

14 And again Isaiah speaketh

on this wise, The Lord said unto

Christ my Lord, I have laid hold

on his right hand, that the nations

should obey before him, and I will

break the strength of kings.

15 Behold, how doth David and

Isaiah call him Lord, and the Son of God.

CHAPTER XII.

The Promise of God not made to the Jews only,

but to the Gentiles also, and fulfilled to us by Jesus Christ.

BUT let us go yet further, and

inquire whether this people be

the heir, or the former; and

whether the covenant be with us

or with them.

2 And first, as concerning

the people, hear now what the

Scripture saith:

3 Isaac prayed for his wife

Rebekah, because she was barren;

and she conceived. Afterwards

Rebekah went forth to inquire

of the Lord.

4 And the Lord said unto her;

There are two nations in thy womb,

and two people shall come from

thy body; and the one shall have

power over the other, and the

greater shall serve the lesser.

Understand here who was Isaac;

who Rebekah; and of whom it was

foretold, this people shall be

greater than that.

5 And in another prophecy Jacob

speaketh more clearly to his

son Joseph, saying; Behold the

Lord hath not derived me of seeing

thy face, bring me thy sons that

I may bless them. And he brought

unto his father Manasseh and

Ephraim, desiring that he should

bless Manasseh, because he was

the elder.

6 Therefore Joseph brought him

to the right hand of his father

Jacob. But Jacob by the spirit

foresaw the figure of the people

that was to come.

7 And what saith the Scripture?

And Jacob crossed his hands, and

put his right hand upon Ephraim,

his second, and the younger son,

and blessed him. And Joseph said

unto Jacob; Put thy right hand

upon the head of Manasseh, for he

is my first-born son. And Jacob

said unto Joseph; I know it, my

son, I know it; but the greater

shall serve the lesser; though he

also shall be blessed.

8 Ye see of whom he appointed

it, that they should be the first

people, and heirs of the covenant.

9 If therefore God shall have

yet farther taken notice of this,

by Abraham too; our understanding

of it will then be perfectly

established.

10 What then saith the Scripture

of Abraham, when I be believed,

and it was imputed unto him for

righteousness? Behold I have made

thee a father of the nations,

which without circumcision believe

in the Lord.

11 Let us therefore now inquire

whether God has fulfilled the

covenant, which he sware to our

fathers, that he would give this

people? Yes, verily, he gave it;

but they were not worthy to receive

it by reason of their sins.

12 For thus saith the prophet

And Moses continued fasting in

mount Sinai, to receive the covenant

of the Lord with the people, forty

days and forty nights.

13 And he received of the Lord

two tables written with the finger

of the Lord’s hand, in the Spirit.

And Moses, when he had received

them, brought them down that he

might deliver them to the people.

14 And the Lord said unto

Moses; Moses, Moses, get thee

down quickly, for the people which

thou broughtest out of the land of

Egypt have done wickedly.

15 And Moses understood that

they had again set up a molten

image: and he cast the two tables

out of his hands; and the tables

of the covenant of the Lord were

broken. Moses therefore received

them, but they were not worthy.

16 Now then learn how we have

received them. Moses, being a

servant, took them; but the Lord

himself has given them unto us,

that we might be the people of his

inheritance; having suffered for

us.

17 He was therefore made

manifest; that they should fill

up the measure of their sins,

and that we being made heirs by

him, should receive the covenant

of the Lord Jesus.

18 And again the prophet saith

Behold, I have set thee for a light

unto the Gentiles; to be the saviour

of all the ends of the earth, saith

the Lord; the God who hath redeemed

thee.

19 Who for that very end

was prepared, that by his own

appearing he might redeem our

hearts, already devoured by

death, and delivered over to

the irregularity of error,

from darkness; and establish

a covenant with us by his word.

20 For so it is written that the

father commanded him by delivering

us from darkness, to prepare unto

himself a holy people.

21 Wherefore the prophet saith

I the Lord thy God have called

thee in righteousness, and I will

take thee by thy hand, and will

strengthen thee, and give thee

for a covenant of the people; for a

light to the Gentiles. To open the

eyes of the blind, to bring out the

prisoners from the prison, and them

that sit in darkness out of the

prison house.

22 Consider, therefore, from

whence we have been redeemed.

And again the prophet saith

The spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he hath anointed me: he

hath sent me to preach glad tidings

to the lowly; to heal the broken in

heart; to preach remission to the

captives, and give sight unto the

blind; to proclaim the acceptable

year of the Lord, and the day of restitution; to comfort all that

mourn.

CHAPTER XIII.

That the sabbath of the Jews was but a figure

of a more glorious sabbath to come, and their

temple, of the spiritual temples of God.

FURTHERMORE it is written

concerning the sabbath, in the

Ten Commandments, which God

spake in the mount Sinai to Moses,

face to face: Sanctify the sabbath

of the Lord with pure hands, and

with a clean heart.

2 And elsewhere he saith;

If thy children shall keep my

Sabbaths, then will I put my

mercy upon them.

3 And even in the beginning of

the creation he makes mention of

the sabbath. And God made in

six days the works of his hands,

and he finished them on the seventh

day; and he rested the seventh

day, and sanctified it.

4 Consider, my children, what

that signifies, he finished them

in six days. The meaning of it is

this: that in six thousand years

the Lord God will bring all things

to an end.

5 For with him one day is

a thousand years; as himself

testifieth, saying, Behold this

day shall be as a thousand years.

Therefore, children, in six days,

that is, in six thousand years,

shall a all things be accomplished.

6 And what is that he saith,

And he rested the seventh day

he meaneth this: that when

his Son shall come, and abolish

the season of the Wicked One,

and judge the ungodly; and shall

change the sun and the moon, and

the stars; then he shall gloriously

rest on that seventh day,

7 He adds, lastly: Thou shalt

sanctify it with clean hands and

a pure heart. Wherefore we are

greatly deceived if we imagine

that anyone can now sanctify that

day which God has made holy,

without having a heart pure in

all things.

8 Behold, therefore, he will then

truly sanctify it with blessed rest,

when we (having received the

righteous promise, when iniquity

shall be no more, all things being

renewed by the Lord) shall be able

to sanctify it, being ourselves first

made holy;

9 Lastly, he saith unto them

Your new moons and your Sabbaths

I cannot bear them. Consider

what he means by it; the

Sabbaths, says he, which ye now

keep are not acceptable unto me,

but those which I have made;

when resting from all things I

shall begin the eight day, that is,

the beginning of the other world.

10 For which cause we observe

the eight day with gladness, in

which Jesus rose from the dead;

and having manifested himself to

his disciples, ascended into heaven.

11 It remains yet that I

speak to you concerning the temple:

how those miserable men being

deceived have put their trust

in the house, and not in God

himself who made them, as if

it were the habitation of God.

12 For much after the same

manner as the Gentiles, they

consecrated him in the temple.

13 But learn therefore how

the Lord speaketh, rendering the

temple vain: Who has measured the

heaven with a span, and the earth

with his hand? Is it not I? Thus

with the Lord, Heaven is my

throne, and the earth is my

footstool. What is the house

that ye will build me? Or what

is the place of my rest? Know

therefore that all their hope

is vain.

14 And again he speaketh after

this manner: Behold they that

destroy this temple, even they

shall again build it up. And so

it came to pass; for through their

wars it is now destroyed by their

enemies; and the servants of their

enemies build it up.

15 Furthermore it has been

made manifest, how both the city

and the temple, and the people of

Israel should be given up. For

the scripture saith; And it shall

come to pass in the last days, that

the Lord will deliver up the sheep

of his pasture, and their fold, and

their tower unto destruction. And

it is come to pass, as the Lord hath

spoken.

16 Let us inquire therefore,

whether there be any temple of

God? Yes there is: and there

where himself declares that he

would both make and perfect it.

For it is written: And it shall

be that as soon as the week shall

be completed, the temple of the

Lord shall be gloriously built in

the name of the Lord.

17 I find therefore that there

is a temple. But how shall it be

built in the name of the Lord? I

will shew you.

18 Before that we believed in

God, the habitation of our heart

was corruptible, and feeble, as a

temple truly built with hands.

19 For it was a house full

of idolatry, a house of devils;

inasmuch as there was done in it

whatsoever was contrary unto God.

But it shall be built in the name

of the Lord.

20 Consider, how that the

temple of the Lord shall be very

gloriously built; and by what

means that shall be, learn.

21 Having received remission

of our sins, and trusting in the

name of the Lord, we are become

renewed, being again created as it

were from the beginning. Wherefore

God truly dwells in our house,

that is, in us.

22 But how does he dwell in us?

By the word of his faith, the calling

of his promise, the wisdom of his

righteous judgments and the commands

of his doctrine. He himself prophesies

within us, he himself dwelleth in us,

and openeth to us who were in bondage

of death the gate of our temple,

that is, the mouth of wisdom, having

given repentance unto us; and by this

means has brought us to be an

incorruptible temple.

23 He therefore that desires to

be saved looketh not unto the

man, but unto him that dwelleth

in him, and speaketh by him;

being struck with wonder,

forasmuch as he never either

heard him speaking such words

out of his mouth, nor ever

desired to hear them.

24 This is that spiritual temple

that is built unto the Lord.

CHAPTER XIV.

Of the way of light; being a summary of what a Christian is to do, that he maybe happy for ever.

AND thus I trust, I have

declared to you as much, and

with as great simplicity as I

could, those, things which provide

for your salvation, so as not to

have omitted any thing that might

be requisite thereunto.

2 For should I speak farther of

the things that now are, and of

those that are to come, you would

not yet understand them, seeing

they lie in parables. This therefore

shall suffice as to these things.

3 Let us now go on to the other

kind of knowledge and doctrine.

There are two ways of doctrine

and power; the one of light, the

other of darkness.

4 But there is a great deal of

difference between these two ways

for over one are appointed the

angels of God, the leaders of

the way of light; over the other,

the angels of Satan. And the one

is the Lord from everlasting to

everlasting; the other is the

prince of the time of

unrighteousness.

5 Now the way of light is this:

If any one desires to attain to the place that is appointed for him,

and will hasten thither by his

works. And the knowledge that

has been given to us for walking

in it, to this effect: Thou shalt

love him that made thee: thou

shalt glorify him that hath

redeemed thee from death.

6 Thou shalt be simple in heart,

and rich in the spirit. Thou shalt

not cleave to those that walk in

the way of death. Thou shalt hate

to do anything that is not pleasing

unto God. Thou shalt abhor all

dissimulation. Thou shalt not

neglect any of the commands of

the Lord.

7 Thou shalt not exalt thyself,

but shalt be humble. Then shalt

not take honour to thyself. Thou

shalt not enter into any wicked

counsel against thy neighbour.

Thou shalt not be over confident

in thy heart.

8 Thou shaft not commit

fornication, nor adultery.

Neither shalt thou corrupt

thyself with mankind. Thou

shalt not make use of the

word of God, to any impurity,

9 Thou shalt not except any

man’s person, when thou reprovest

any one’s faults. Thou shalt be gentle. Thou shalt be quiet.

Thou shalt tremble at the words

which thou hast heard. Thou

shalt not keep any hatred in thy

heart against thy brother. Thou

shalt not entertain any doubt

whether it shall be or not.

10 Thou shalt not take the name

of the Lord in vain. Thou shalt

love thy neighbour above thy own

soul,

11 Thou shalt not destroy thy

conceptions, before they are

brought forth; nor kill them

after they are born.

12 Thou shalt not withdraw thy

hand from thy son, or from thy

daughter; but shall teach them

from their youth the fear of the

Lord.

13 Thou shalt not covet thy

neighbour’s goods; neither shalt

thou be an extortioner. Neither

shall thy heart be joined to proud

men; but thou shalt be numbered

among the righteous and the

lowly. Whatever events shall

happen unto thee, thou shalt

receive them as good.

14 Thou shalt not be double-

minded or double-tongued; for a

double tongue is the snare of death.

Thou shalt be subject unto the

Lord and to inferior masters as to

the representatives of God, in fear

and reverence.

15 Thou shalt not be bitter in

thy commands towards any of thy

servants that trust in God; lest

thou chance not to fear him who

is over both; because he came not

to call any with respect of persons,

but whomsoever the spirit had

prepared.

16 Thou shalt communicate to

thy neighbour of all thou hast;

thou shalt not call anything

thine own: for if ye partake of

such things as are incorruptible,

how much more should you do it

in those that are corruptible?

17 Thou shalt not be forward to

speak; for the mouth is the snare

of death. Strive for thy soul with

all thy might. Reach not out

thine hand to receive, and

withhold it not when thou

shouldest give.

18 Thou shalt love, as the apple

of thine eye, everyone that speaketh

unto thee the Word of the Lord.

Call to thy remembrance, day and

night, the future judgment.

19 Thou shalt seek out every

day, the persons of the righteous;

and both consider and go about to

exhort others by the word, and

meditate how thou mayest save a

soul.

20 Thou shaft also labour with

thy hands to give to the poor,

that thy sins may be forgiven thee,

Thou shalt not deliberate whether

thou shouldst give; nor having

given, murmur at it.

21 Give to everyone that asks

so shalt thou know who is the good

rewarder of thy gifts.

22 Keep what thou hast received;

thou shalt neither add to it nor

take from it.

23 Let the wicked be always

thy aversion. Thou shalt judge

with righteous judgment. Thou

shalt never cause divisions; but

shalt make peace between those

that are at variance, and bring

them together.

24 Thou shalt confess thy sins;

and not come to thy prayer with

an evil conscience.

25 This is the way of light.

CHAPTER XV.

Of the way of darkness; that is, what kind of persons shall be for ever cast out of the kingdom of God.

BUT the way of darkness is

crooked, and full of cursing.

For it is the way of eternal death,

with punishment; in which they

that walk meet those things that

destroy their own souls.

2 Such are; idolatry, confidence,

pride of power, hypocrisy, double-

mindedness, adultery, murder, rapine,

pride, transgression, deceit, malice,

arrogance, witchcraft, covetousness,

and the want of the fear of God.

3 In this, walk those, who are

the persecutors of them that are

good; haters of truth; lovers of

lies; who know not the reward of

righteousness, nor cleave to any

thing that is good.

4 Who administer not righteous

judgment to the widow and orphan;

who watch for wickedness, and not

for the fear of the Lord;

5 From whom gentleness and

patience are far off: who love

vanity, and follow after rewards;

having no compassion upon the

poor; nor take any pains for such

as are heavy laden and oppressed.

6 Ready to evil speaking,

not knowing him that made them;

murderers of children; corrupters

of the creature of God; that turn

away from the needy; oppress the

afflicted; are the advocates of the

rich, but unjust judges of the poor;

being altogether sinners.

7 It is therefore fitting

that learning the just commands

of the Lord, which we have before

mentioned, we should walk in them.

For he who does such things shall

be glorified in the kingdom of Hod.

8 But he that chooses the other

part, shall be destroyed, together

with his works. For this cause

there shall be both a resurrection,

and a retribution.

9 I beseech those that are in

high estate among you, (if so be

you will take the counsel which with a good intention I offer to

you,) you have those with you

towards whom you may do good;

do not forsake them.

10 For the day is at hand in

which all things shall be destroyed,

together with the wicked one.

The Lord is near, and his reward

is with him.

11 I beseech you, therefore,

again, and again, Be as good

lawgiver’s to one Another; continue

faithful counsellors do each other

remove from among you all hypocrisy.

12 And may God, the Lord

of all the world, give you

wisdom, knowledge, counsel,

and understanding of his

judgments in patience:

13 Be ye taught of God;

seeking what it is the Lord

requires of you, and doing it;

that ye may be saved in the

day of judgment.

14 And if there be among you

any remembrance of what is good,

think of me; meditating on these

things, that both my desire and

my watching for you may turn to

a good account.

15 I beseech you; I ask it as a favour of you; whilst you are in

this beautiful tabernacle of the

body, be wanting in none of these

things; but without ceasing seek

them, and fulfil every command,

For these things are fitting and

worthy to be done.

16 Wherefore I have given the

more diligence to write unto you

according to my ability, that you

might rejoice. Farewell, children

of love and peace.

17 The Lord of glory and of

all grace, be with your spirit,

Amen.

[The end of the Epistle of Barnabas

the Apostle, and fellow-traveller

of St. Paul the Apostle.]

REFERENCES TO THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF BARNABAS.

[Barnabas was a companion and fellow-preacher with Paul. This Epistle lays a greater claim to canonical authority than most others. It has been cited by Clemens, Alexandrinus, Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome, and many ancient Fathers. Cotelerius affirms that Origen and Jerome esteemed it

genuine and canonical; but Cotelerius himself did not believe it to be either one or the other; on the contrary, he supposes it was written for the benefit of the Ebionites, (the christianized Jews,) who were tenacious of rites and ceremonies. Bishop Fell feared to own expressly what he seemed to be persuaded of, that it ought to be treated with the same respect as several of the books of the present canon. Dr. Bernard, Savilian professor at Oxford, not only believed it to be genuine, but that it was read throughout in the churches of Alexandria, as the canonical Scriptures were. Dodwell supposed it to have been published before the Epistle of Jude, and the writings of both the Johns. Vossius, Dupuis, Dr. Cane, Dr. Mill, Dr, S. Clark, Whitson, and Archbishop Wake also esteemed it genuine: Menardus, Archbishop Land, Spanheim, and others deemed it apocryphal.]

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.