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  • Chapter I.—The Two Ways; The First Commandment
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    Chapter I.—The Two Ways; The First Commandment.

    1. There are two ways,2370

    2370 This phrase connects the book with the Duæ Viæ; see Introductory Notice. Barnabas has “light” and “darkness” for “life” and “death.”  

    one of life and one of death;2371

    2371 Deut. xxx. 15; 19; Jer. xxi. 8; Matt. vii. 13, 14  

    but a great difference between the two ways. 2. The way of life, then, is this: First, thou shalt love God2372

    2372 Comp. Deut. vi. 5, which is fully cited in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 2, though the verb here is more exactly cited from LXX.  

    who made thee; second, thy neighbour as thyself;2373

    2373 Lev. xix. 18; Matt. xxii. 37; 39. Comp. Mark xii. 30, 31  

    and all things whatsoever thou wouldst should not occur to thee, thou also to another do not do.2374

    2374 Comp. Tobit iv. 15; and Matt. vii. 12; Luke vi. 31  

    3. And of these sayings2375

    2375 These Old-Testament commands are thus taught by the Lord.  

    the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you.2376

    2376 Matt. v. 44. But the last clause is added, and is of unknown origin; not found in Apostolic Constitutions  

    For what thank is there, if ye love them that love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same?2377

    2377 Matt. v. 46, 47; Luke vi. 32. The two passages are combined.  

    But do ye love them that hate you; and ye shall not have an enemy.2378

    2378 So Apostolic Constitutions. Comp. 1 Pet. iii. 13  

    4. Abstain thou from fleshly and worldly lusts.2379

    2379 1 Pet. ii. 11. The Codex has σωματικῶν, “bodily;” but editors correct to κοσμικῶν  

    If one give thee a blow upon thy right cheek, turn to him the other also;2380

    2380 Matt. v. 39; Luke vi. 29.  

    and thou shalt be perfect. If one impress thee for one mile, go with him two.2381

    2381 Matt. v. 41  

    If one take away thy cloak, give him also thy coat.2382

    2382 Matt. v. 40; Luke vi. 29  

    If one take from thee thine own, ask it not back,2383

    2383 Luke vi. 30. The last clause is a peculiar addition: “art not able,” since thou art a Christian; otherwise it is a commonplace observation.  

    for indeed thou art not able. 5. Give to every one that asketh thee, and ask it not back;2384

    2384 Luke vi. 30. The rest of the sentence is explained by the parallel passage in Apostolic Constitutions, which cites Matt. v. 45.  

    for the Father willeth that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts).2385

    2385 Bryennios finds a parallel (or citation) in Hermas, Commandment Second, p. 20, vol. i. Ante-Nicene Fathers. The remainder of this chapter has no parallel in Apostolic Constitutions.  

    Happy is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receiveth; for if one having need receiveth, he is guiltless; but he that receiveth not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement),2386

    2386 Gr. ἐν συνοχῇ. Probably = imprisonment; see next clause.  

    he shall be examined concerning the things which he hath done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing.2387

    2387 Matt. v. 26.  

    6. But also now concerning this, it hath been said, Let thine alms sweat2388

    2388 Codex: ιδροτάτω, which in this connection is unintelligible. Bryennios corrects into ιδροσάτω, rendered as above. There are various other conjectural emendations. The verse probably forbids indiscriminate charity, pointing to an early abuse of Christian liberality.  

    in thy hands, until thou know to whom thou shouldst give.  

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