<P> Although Barnabas 4: 14 appears to quote Matt 22: 14, it must remain an open question whether the Barnabas circle knew written gospels . Based on Koester's analysis (1957: 125--27, 157), it appears more likely that Barnabas stood in the living oral tradition used by the written gospels . For example, the reference to gall and vinegar in Barnabas 7: 3, 5 seems to preserve an early stage of tradition that influenced the formation of the passion narratives in the Gospel of Peter and the synoptic gospels . </P> <P> Bart D. Ehrman has stated that the Epistle of Barnabas is "more anti-Jewish than (any of the books) that (made) it into the New Testament". </P> <P> Although the work is not gnostic in a theological sense, the author, who considers himself to be a teacher to the unidentified audience to which he writes (see e.g. 9.9), intends to impart to his readers the perfect gnosis (knowledge), that they may perceive that the Christians are the only true covenant people, and that the Jewish people are no longer in covenant with God (3.7). His polemics are, above all, directed against Judaizing Christians (see Ebionites, Nazarenes, Judaizing teachers). </P> <P> In no other writing of that early time is the separation of the Gentile Christians from observant Jews so clearly insisted upon . The covenant promises, he maintains, belong only to the Christians (e.g. 4.6--8), and circumcision, and the entire Jewish sacrificial and ceremonial system have been abolished in favor of "the new law of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2.8). According to the author's conception, Jewish scriptures, rightly understood, serve as a foretelling of Christ and its laws often contain allegorical meanings . He is a thorough opponent to Jewish legalism, but by no means an antinomist . At some points the Epistle seems quite Pauline, as with its concept of atonement . </P>

What is the main message of the epistle of barnabas