Discuss the different understandings of Judaism in the epistle to the Hebrews and the Epistle of Barnabas. How might these differences reflect each community's approach to self-definition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Rather than seeing Judaism as the foreshadowing of Christianity, the Epistle of Barnabas portrays it as a false religion. According to this author, the Jews broke their covenant as soon as they received it. Whereas the author of Hebrews claims that the Old Testament contains prophecies of the new covenant and the perfection of Judaism, Barnabas claims that the Old Testament has never been a Jewish book but has always belonged to Christians. The author of Hebrews depicts Christianity as the logical continuation of Judaism. The author of the Epistle of Barnabas depicts Christians as the people of God because they are the only ones who understand God's covenant. According to Barnabas, then, there is no continuity between Judaism and Christianity.

Discuss the Different Understandings of Judaism in the Epistle to the Hebrews