Barnabas, Epistle of

The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian writing preserved in Codex Sinaiticus (4th century) and various other manuscripts, dating most likely to the period between 70 and 135 A.D. Despite its traditional attribution to Barnabas (Paul's companion, Acts 4:36; 9:27; 13–14), ancient and modern scholarship generally rejects this ascription — the letter is anonymous and its author's identity is unknown. It was highly regarded in some early Christian circles: Clement of Alexandria and Origen cite it with respect, though Eusebius classified it among the antilegomena (disputed books) and never considered it canonical. The letter is primarily an allegory-intensive typological exposition of the OT, arguing that the Jewish interpretation of Scripture has been superseded by the Christian reading, which sees Christ as the true fulfillment of the law and the covenant. Its treatment of the OT dietary laws (Barnabas 10) is radically allegorical: the prohibition on eating unclean animals is interpreted as a prohibition against associating with wicked people, not a food law. The letter also contains an early version of the Two Ways (ethical instruction) material also found in the Didache. It is valuable as a witness to early Christian biblical interpretation, anti-Judaism in 2nd-century Christianity, and the diversity of early theological expression.