Chapter 17
Conclusion
|
17:1 Ἐφ'
ὅσον
ἦν
ἐν
δυνατῷ
καὶ
ἁπλότητι
δηλῶσαι
ὑμῖν,
ἐλπίζει
μου
ἡ
ψυχὴ
τῇ
ἐπιθυμίᾳ
μου
μὴ
παραλελοιπέναι
τι
τῶν
ἀνηκόντων
εἰς
σωτηρίαν. | So far as it was possible to declare these things to you in simplicity, my soul hopes according to my desire that I have not omitted anything of the things pertaining to salvation. |
|
17:2 ἐὰν
γὰρ
περὶ
τῶν
ἐνεστώτων
ἢ
μελλόντων
γράφω
ὑμῖν,
οὐ
μὴ
νοήσητε
διὰ
τὸ
ἐν
παραβολαῖς
κεῖσθαι. ταῦτα μὲν οὕτως. |
For if I write to you concerning present or future things, you would not understand, because they lie in parables.
These things, then, are so. |
Summary
In Chapter 17 of the Epistle of Barnabas, the author brings the first main section of his letter (the theological and allegorical exposition of the Old Testament) to a formal conclusion.He expresses confidence that he has clearly communicated all essential doctrines necessary for salvation.
Furthermore, he explains that he refrains from writing in detail about complex present or future apocalyptic events, as those mysteries remain veiled in parables (παραβολαί) that would be difficult for his readers to comprehend at this time.
Significant Greek Expressions
ἐν ἁπλότητι (in simplicity / plainness): Reflects the author’s desire to present profound spiritual insights (gnōsis) in a clear, accessible manner for his readers.
τῶν ἀνηκόντων εἰς σωτηρίαν (the things pertaining to salvation): Defines the core purpose of his teaching—focusing strictly on doctrines and moral truths that contribute to eternal life.
διὰ τὸ ἐν παραβολαῖς κεῖσθαι (because they lie in parables): Indicates that deep eschatological or apocalyptic revelations regarding current and future events are intentionally hidden in figurative/symbolic language, requiring spiritual maturity to unlock.