e Epistles is
chiefly conspicuous by its absence, but it figures largely in
post-apostolic works. The crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are
generally acknowledged, and these three incidents compose the whole
story for which a consensus of testimony can be claimed; it will,
perhaps, be fair to concede also that Christ is recognised universally
as a miracle-worker, in spite of the strange silence of the epistles. We
need not refer to the testimony of Clement, Polycarp or Ignatius, having
already shown what dependence may be placed on their writings. But we
have now three new witnesses, Barnabas, Quadratus, and Justin Martyr.
Paley says: "In an epistle, bearing the name of Barnabas, the companion
of Paul, probably genuine, certainly belonging to that age, we have the
sufferings of Christ," etc. (Evidences p. 75). "Probably genuine,
certainly belonging to that age!" Is Paley joking with his readers, or
only trading on their ignorance? "The letter itself bears no author's
name, is not dated from any place, and is not addressed to any special
community. _Towards the end of the second century, however, tradition
began to ascribe it to Barnabas, the companion of Paul. The first writer
who mentions it is Clement of Alexandria_ [head of the Alexandrian
School, A.D. 205] who calls its author several times the 'Apostle
Barnabas'.... We have already seen in the case of the Epistles ascribed
to Clement of Rome, and, as we proceed, we shall become only too
familiar with the fact, the singular facility with which, in the total
absence of critical discrimination, spurious writings were ascribed by
the Fathers to Apostles and their followers.... Credulous piety which
attributed writings to every Apostle, and even to Jesus himself, soon
found authors for each anonymous work of an edifying character.... In
the earlier days of criticism, some writers, without much question,
adopted the traditional view as to the authorship of the Epistles, but
the great mass of critics are now agreed in asserting that the
composition, which itself is perfectly anonymous, cannot be attributed
to Barnabas the friend and fellow worker of Paul. Those who maintain the
former opinion date the Epistle about A.D. 70-73, or even earlier, but
this is scarcely the view of any living critic" ("Supernatural
Religion," vol. i., pp. 237-239).

"From its contents it seems unlikely that it was written by a companion
of Apostles and a Levite. In addition to this, it i