Epistle of Barnabas

One of the best early Christian writings was the epistle of Barnabas, believed to have been written between 100-150 Ad, it gives us great insight into first and 2nd century doctrinal teachings.

 

Baptism is one of the clearest of his doctrines , I do not believe I have ever had it explained more clearly.

 

Let us further inquire whether the Lord took any care to foreshadow the water [of baptism] and the cross. Concerning the water, indeed, it is written, in reference to the Israelites, that they should not receive that baptism which leads to the remission of sins, but should procure109 another for themselves. The prophet therefore declares, "Be astonished, O heaven, and let the earth tremble110 at this, because this people hath committed two great evils: they have forsaken Me, a living fountain, and have hewn out for themselves broken cisterns.111

He believed baptism was for the remission of sins, but the Israelites took another baptism for themselves.

 

Would this mean faith only doctrine was Judaism?

 

He also says the people had their sins going down into the water. The Baptist idea we are baptized because our sins are already forgiven would be false.

 

This meaneth,116 that we indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement, but come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear [of God] and trust in Jesus in our spirit. "And whosoever shall eat of these shall live for ever," This meaneth: Whosoever, He declares, shall hear thee speaking, and believe, shall live for ever.

He believes after baptism one must fear Christ and head his word when he speaks. He wasn't faith only.

In his view, a baptism after forgiveness as taught by faith only groups, is not of Christ.

Furthermore, what saith He in reference to the Son? "His water is sure;114 ye shall see the King in His glory, and your soul shall meditate on the fear of the Lord." (Isa_33:16-18) And again He saith in another prophet, "The man who doeth these things shall be like a tree planted by the courses of waters, which shall yield its fruit in due season; and his leaf shall not fade, and all that he doeth shall prosper. Not so are the ungodly, not so, but even as chaff, which the wind sweeps away from the face of the earth. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in judgment, nor sinners in the counsel of the just; for the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psa_1:3-6) Mark how He has described at once both the water and the cross. For these words imply, Blessed are they who, placing their trust in the cross, have gone down into the water; for, says He, they shall receive their reward in due time: then He declares, I will recompense them. But now He saith,115 "Their leaves shall not fade."

Baptists always accuse the Churches of Christ of believing in baptism and not the cross, but Barnabas shows that baptism can be in faith toward the cross.

Some believed the Epistle of Barnabas was written by Paul's companion Barnabas, even if not it presents one of the earliest views of baptism.

Since this Barnabas was possibly from Alexandria Egypt, it would show believers baptism was taught prior to the 3rd century, and prior to Augustine.