Early Christian Views on the Epistle of Barnabas
Early Christians treated the Epistle of Barnabas as a real church writing, and some churches received it more widely than other non-biblical works. Tertullian says it was “more generally received among the Churches,” and Clement of Alexandria quotes Barnabas by name. The main evidence here is about early church use and reception, not a full official canon list.
104 early-church witnesses · 177 source quotations · compared with Scripture
What did early Christians believe about the Epistle of Barnabas?
Early Christian writers treated the Epistle of Barnabas as a real and widely received church writing, but the evidence for its exact status is limited. Tertullian calls it an epistle “more generally received among the Churches,” and Clement of Alexandria quotes Barnabas by name, showing that some major teachers read it as useful. The strongest direct witness in the text set is about reception and use, not a full canon list, so the case is broad but still thin on detail.
Barnabas itself also presents the work as a written exhortation meant to give readers “perfect knowledge,” which fits its early church use. Many more early Christian quotations, Bible passages, and source links are gathered below so you can study the evidence for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Tertullian says the Epistle of Barnabas was “more generally received among the Churches.”
- Clement of Alexandria quotes Barnabas as a known Christian writer.
- The letter itself says it was written so readers could have “perfect knowledge.”
Questions Answered by the Sources
How did early Christians receive the Epistle of Barnabas?
The clearest witness here is Tertullian, who says the Epistle of Barnabas was more generally received among the churches. Clement of Alexandria also cites Barnabas as a teacher, showing that it was read and used in early Christian argument and instruction.
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Tertullian, On Modesty Direct teaching
And, of course, the Epistle of Barnabas is more generally received among the Churches than that apocryphal Shepherd of adulterers.
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Tertullian, On Modesty Supporting witness
...ious outrage upon modesty, without any mention of restoration. However, I wish, further, to add the testimony likewise of one particular companion of the apostles, a testimony aptly suited for confirming, by most proximate right, the discipline of his masters. For there is also an Epistle to the Hebrews under the name of Barnabas, a man sufficiently accredited by God, as one whom Paul has stationed next to himself in the uninterrupted observance of abstinence: "Or else, I alone and Barnabas, do we not have the power of working?" And, of course, the Epistle of Barnabas is more generally received among the churches than that apocryphal Shepherd of adulterers. Warning, accordingly, the disciples to omit all first principles, and rather strive after perfection, and not lay again the foundations of repentance from the works of the dead, he says: "For it is impossible that those who have once been illuminated, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have participated in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the word of God and found it sweet, when they shall have fallen away, their age already setting, should be again recalled unto repentance, crucifying again for themselves the Son of God,
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness
Barnabas, too, who in person preached the word along with the apostle in the ministry of the Gentiles, says, I write to you most simply, that you may understand.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness
Rightly, therefore, the Apostle Barnabas says, From the portion I have received I have done my diligence to send little by little to you;
How does the Epistle of Barnabas present its own teaching?
The epistle opens by saying it is written so believers may have perfect knowledge, and it describes itself as passing on what the writer has received. That fits a letter used for instruction rather than a bare title reference.
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Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Direct teaching
Considering this, therefore, that if I should take the trouble to communicate to you some portion of what I have myself received, it will prove to me a sufficient reward that I minister to such spirits, I have hastened briefly to write unto you, in order that, along with your faith, ye might have perfect knowledge.
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Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Supporting witness
Seeing that the divine fruits of righteousness abound among you, I rejoice exceedingly and above measure in your happy and honoured spirits, because ye have with such effect received the engrafted spiritual gift.
Common Questions
Did early Christians read the Epistle of Barnabas?
Yes. Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria both refer to it, which shows that some early Christians knew and used it.
Did early Christians treat Barnabas like Scripture?
The clearest evidence here is that some churches received it and quoted it, but these cards do not give a full canon ruling.
Who mentioned the Epistle of Barnabas early on?
Tertullian called it more widely received among the churches, and Clement of Alexandria quoted Barnabas by name.
Source Index for the Epistle of Barnabas
The guided sections above show the strongest quotations. This compact index highlights 153 ranked source links from 177 compiled sources for deeper study.
Source index 153 ranked links shown
Early Christian Writings 80 shown of 104
Primary-source quotations from early Christian writers and church documents.
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Ignatius of Antioch, Connection to Galatians 1:1
Bible Passages 73 included
Related Bible passages saved for comparison with the early Christian quotations.