Description
The Epistle of Barnabas explores the multifaceted spiritual interpretations and theological beliefs of the Epistle of Barnabas, moving beyond a reductive consideration of its Two Ways Tradition, or focus on its anti-Jewish use of Scripture. Lookadoo considers the epistle’s authorship, dating, and opponents, alongside detailed analysis of literary connection and scholarly discourse, which brings clarity and understanding to this fascinating early Christian text.
With a fresh English translation of the Greek text, this book is a well-researched and nuanced interpretation of the text, crucial for students of early Christianity and illuminating for anyone seeking to understand the origins of Christianity.
About the Author
Jonathon Lookadoo is Assistant Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea, where his research focuses on early Christian texts.
Contents
Series Preface
Foreword by James Carleton Paget
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Translation of the Epistle of Barnabas
Part I: Introductory and Critical Articles
1. Introduction to the Epistle of Barnabas
2. The Epistle of Barnabas and Scripture
3. Toward a Theology of the Epistle of Barnabas
Part II: Commentary
Barnabas 1.1–8: Greetings and Introduction
Barnabas 2.1—16.10: Revealing Knowledge in Scripture
Barnabas 17.1–2: Transition
Barnabas 18.1—20.2: Section Body Section: Two Ways
Barnabas 21.1–9: Closing
Bibliography
Author Index
Scripture Index
Endorsements and Reviews
With this book, Jonathon Lookadoo has provided a first-rate introduction and commentary on the Epistle of Barnabas, the first to appear in English for several decades. It reveals the author’s in-depth knowledge of the text of the epistle and thorough familiarity with the scholarly discourse on Barnabas. The book is highly recommended, especially for students of early Christianity but also for a wider readership. Reidar Hvalvik, MF Norwegian School of Theology
Jonathon Lookadoo is to be congratulated for producing the first major commentary on the Epistle of Barnabas in more than half a century. Lookadoo brings clarity to what is one of the most peculiar texts of the apostolic fathers’ collections with a wonderful mixture of detailed textual analysis and lucid exposition. An indispensable resource for the study of early Christian literature. Michael F. Bird, Ridley College
As the first English-language commentary on the Epistle of Barnabas since 1965, Lookadoo’s volume provides an essential resource for English-speaking scholars to access the text and theology of this sometimes-canonical early Christian text. J. Christopher Edwards, St. Francis College