1
Because the days are evil and the present ruler of lawlessness is active, the community must guard itself and seek the ordinances of the Master.
2
Fear of Elohim and patience are supports of trust; long-suffering and self-restraint stand beside them.
3
Where these remain in a pure ruach, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and discernment rejoice.
4
Barnabas argues from the nevi'im that Yahuah did not desire sacrifices, ascending offerings, or ritual gifts when the people lived in rebellion.
5
He cites Yeshayahu's rebuke of multiplied sacrifices, blood, incense, new moons, and Shabbat observance performed without Righteousness.
6
He interprets this polemically, saying the new covenant-service is not a yoke of outward compulsion and its acceptable offering is not made by human hands.
7
He also invokes Yirmeyahu's covenant language: the command was not merely sacrifice but refusal of evil against one's neighbor and rejection of false oaths.
8
He concludes that the acceptable sacrifice is a broken heart and a heart that gives glory to its Maker.
9
He urges the brothers and sisters to learn carefully concerning salvation so that the evil one does not introduce error and drive them from life.