The Gospel of Barnabas

Book excerpt: The Gospel of Barnabas, translated by Lonsdale and Laura Ragg, presents a unique and controversial depiction of the life of Jesus, attributed to his disciple Barnabas, who in this text is portrayed as one of the twelve apostles. This work, believed to have originated from two manuscripts dated to the late 16th century, one in Italian and the other in Spanish, offers a narrative of Jesus' ministry that spans a length comparable to the combined four Canonical Gospels. The content of The Gospel of Barnabas closely follows the accounts found in the canonical Gospels but diverges in significant ways that align more closely with Islamic interpretations of Christian origins. It presents a version of Jesus' life and teachings that contradicts key doctrines of the New Testament, making it a fascinating and often debated piece of religious literature. This book provides readers with an intriguing alternative perspective on the life of Jesus and is essential reading for those interested in the historical and theological debates surrounding Christian and Islamic views on his life and ministry.