Epistle of Barnabas 20

The Way of the Dark One, Crooked and Full of Curse

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The Way of the Dark One

20:1The dark one’s way is crooked and full of a curse, for it is a way of eternal death with punishment. In it are the things that destroy their soul: idolatry, recklessness, the arrogance of power, hypocrisy, a divided heart, adultery, murder, robbery, pride, transgression, deceit, malice, self-will, sorcery, magic, greed and absence of the fear of God.

20:2They persecute good people, hate truth and love falsehood. They do not know the reward of righteousness or attach themselves to goodness or just judgment. They disregard the widow and orphan, staying awake for evil rather than for fear of God. Gentleness and endurance are far away from them. They love futile things and pursue repayment, show no mercy to the poor and feel no pain for the oppressed. They readily slander and do not know the One who made them. They murder children and destroy God’s creation. They turn away the needy and oppress the afflicted. They advocate for the rich and judge the poor lawlessly, sinners in everything.

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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.