21 The Conclusion
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The Way of Darkness
1The way of darkness is crooked and completely cursed. It is the way of eternal death and punishment. Those who walk in darkness embrace things that destroy their own souls. 2These are: idolatry, self-confidence [apart from God], the pride of power, hypocrisy, double-mindedness, adultery, murder, robbery, rape, pride, transgression, deceit, malice, stubbornness, sorcery, magic, greed, and the lack of the fear of God. 3Those who walk in darkness persecute the good, hate the truth, love lies, don’t know the reward of the righteous, nor adhere to anything that is good or righteous. 4They pay no attention to the widow or orphan, but spend wakeful nights not in the fear of God, but in the pursuit of vice. 5They are neither gentle nor patient, but they love vanity and constantly seek a reward. 6They have no compassion for the poor, nor help for those who are burdened and oppressed. 7They are prone to slander and have no knowledge of their maker. 8They murder children [abortion and infanticide], corrupt the creatures of God [homosexuality], turn away from the poor, and oppress the afflicted. 9They are advocates of the rich, unjust judges of the poor, and are all together sinful.
Commentary
Barnabas makes it clear that having no knowledge of God or Jesus is a sin. Also listed is sorcery, which biblically is any form of meditation that places you in an altered state of consciousness. See Ancient Paganism for a complete discussion on sorcery.
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The Conclusion
1It is essentially necessary then, that we learn, practice, and share the Three-Fold Witness ordained by God, namely, the facts about eternal life, creation, and prophecy. 2Whoever practices these things will be glorified in God’s kingdom; but whoever chooses the opposite will perish. 3For this reason there will be both a resurrection and a retribution. 4I implore you elders, heed my advice, seek fellowship with obedient Christians, but avoid the disobedient.[t] For the Day of the Lord will come, when His fiery judgment will melt away the elements and the evil one will be destroyed.[u] The Lord will come with His reward. 5Once more I warn you, do away with all hypocrisy, by making sure that both you and those around you know and follow the precepts taught in the Scriptures. 6I pray that our God, who is Lord over all the earth, give you wisdom, knowledge, discernment, complete understanding of His word, and patience, so that you come to know God’s ways. 7Diligently seek God’s will for your life, and do everything in your power to make it happen, so you will escape the judgment in the Day of the Lord. 8Remember me as you follow the teaching in this epistle that my desire be granted in watching you grow in the Lord. 9I beg you, as long as you live, don’t fail in any of these things. Constantly seek after them, and fulfill every command, for these things are proper and have to be done. 10This is why I was anxious to write to you that I might encourage you. Farewell children of love and peace. The Lord of glory and grace be with your spirit. Amen.
Commentary
Again we are told to make sure we fully understand the Three-Fold Witness. The next three chapters are included to introduce to the reader ways we can, in our time, witness to others about eternal life, creationism, and prophecy.
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