First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 8: Warnings Against Division and the Demonic

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Let fire and the cross, let the crowds of wild beasts, let tearing, breakings, and dislocations of bones, let cutting off of limbs, let crushing of the whole body, let all the dreadful torments of the Devil come upon me. Only let me reach Jesus Christ. Evil Angel B arnabas 9 a – b : He speaks moreover concerning our ears, how He has circumcised both them and our heart. The Lord says in the Prophet, “As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me” (Ps 18:44). And again He says, “those who are far off will hear by listening. They will know what I have done” ( Isa 33:13 ). And, “Be circumcised in your hearts” ( Jer 4:4 ) says the Lord. And again He says, “Listen, O Israel, for these things says the Lord your God” ( Jer 7:2–3 ). And once more the Spirit of the Lord proclaims, “Who desires life and loves many days? By listening let him hear the voice of my servant” ( Ps 34:12 ). And again, He says, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken” (Isa 1:2). These are testimonies. And again, He says, “Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of this people” ( Isa 1:10 ). And again, He says, “Hear, you children, the voice of one crying in the wilderness” ( Isa 40:3 ). Therefore, He has circumcised our ears so that we might hear His word and believe. For the circumcision in which they had trusted is abolished. For He declared that circumcision was not of the flesh, but they disobeyed because an evil angel deluded them. He says to them, “Thus says the Lord,” and here I find a new commandment: “Sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord” (Jer 4:3–4). And what does He say? “Circumcise