Greek · Barnabas
An anonymous treatise that reads the Jewish scriptures allegorically as pointing to Christ and argues that the covenant belongs to Christians alone. Alexandria is the most common proposal for its origin, on account of its allegorical method and early Alexandrian use; Syria-Palestine and Asia Minor are also proposed.
Datingdisputed
Written after 70 (the Temple is destroyed, 16.4) and before the Bar Kokhba revolt of 132-135; the reference to rebuilding the Temple (16.3-4) points many scholars to c. 130-132, others to c. 96-100 (Paget surveys the options). Attribution to Paul's companion Barnabas is ancient (Clement of Alexandria) but not accepted today.Books it uses
4.14 'as it is written, Many are called, but few are chosen' = Matt 22:14. If Matthean, it's a Gospel saying under a scripture formula; but 4 Ezra 8:3 is a close parallel, and Carleton Paget finds no secure evidence that Barnabas used any NT writing. Oxford grade D.
13.7 (Abraham, father of nations who believe) echoes Rom 4:11–18. Oxford graded it B; modern assessment is more sceptical.
6.11; 16.8–10 new-creation/temple language near Eph 2:10, 21–22.
Shared typological themes (covenant, sacrifice, rest); no verbal dependence.
Quotations
Let us beware lest we be found [fulfilling that saying], as it is written, “Many are called, but few are chosen.
Barn. 4.14Quotation
ANF vol. 1 (1885), ed. Roberts & Donaldson, American ed. A. C. Coxe · Source (opens in a new tab)
Introduced with 'as it is written'. If from Matthew, this is a Gospel saying cited as scripture; but 4 Ezra 8:3 offers a close parallel, so Gregory & Tuckett rate Matthean dependence only possible.
Matthew 22:14 BSB
14For many are called, but few are chosen.”
that He might show He came “not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Barn. 5.9Allusion
ANF vol. 1 (1885), ed. Roberts & Donaldson, American ed. A. C. Coxe · Source (opens in a new tab)
Same saying as 2 Clem. 2.4; 'to repentance' matches Luke 5:32 (and some MSS of Matthew).
Matthew 9:13 BSB
13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Luke 5:32 BSB
32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”