Is the Gospel of Barnabas the true story of Isa / Jesus? Should Muslims learn about Jesus by reading the Gospel of Barnabas?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Gospel of Barnabas is not the true story of Isa/Jesus, as it was written centuries after the time of Christ and not by the Barnabas of the New Testament. Historical evidence shows its first mention in the 1600s, making it far too late to be an eyewitness account. It contains clear contradictions with both the Old and New Testaments, including errors about the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:10-11) and false claims about Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:16-18). The Gospel of Barnabas also denies Jesus’ divinity, directly opposing the Bible’s consistent witness that He is the Son of God (John 1:1, 3:16). Even Barnabas himself, in Scripture, affirmed Jesus as Lord and Savior, so the book cannot reflect his true teaching (Acts 9:27). In contrast, the New Testament provides an accurate, Spirit-inspired record of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Therefore, Muslims should look to the Bible, not the Gospel of Barnabas, to know the real Jesus who offers forgiveness, abundant life, and eternal salvation (John 10:10; John 14:6).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Gospel of Barnabas contradicts the Bible in many ways. Chapter 82 mentions the Jewish festival of Jubilee, saying it was to be held every one hundred years. However, Leviticus 25:10-11 in the Old Testament clearly commands that the Jubilee was held every fifty years.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Gospel of Barnabas clearly contradicts the New Testament account of Jesus and His work (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Instead, it conforms to some Muslim teachings, including the shahadah and references speaking against the Christian teaching of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3). Further, this writing refers to Jesus escaping crucifixion by being raised to heaven and the traitor Judas Iscariot taking His place on the cross (Matthew 27:35; John 19:16-18). That contradicts all four gospel accounts as well as extra-biblical historical accounts, such as Jewish historian Flavius Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews (chapter 18.3.3).
• The Gospel of Barnabas shows Jesus rejecting worship as Deity. For example, one reference alleges Jesus taught, "Cursed be every one who shall insert into my sayings that I am the son of God." However, this is problematic as it contradicts many occasions in the biblical Gospels when Jesus was referred to as God's Son (Matthew 3:17; John 3:16; John 10:36). Also, as an early follower of Christ as depicted, Barnabas himself accepted Jesus as God's Son and as Divine (Acts 9:27, 11:22-24). Why would a man who accepted Jesus as God and worshiped Him write that Jesus was not God and was not to be worshiped?
• Numerous factual and historical errors reveal that the Gospel of Barnabas is an inaccurate portrayal of the life and teachings of Jesus. For example, the Gospel of Barnabas states Jesus was born during the rule of Pontius Pilate. However, Pilate began ruling in 26 AD, long after the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:1).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The New Testament (Injils in Arabic) provides an accurate picture of what Jesus did and taught during His time on earth. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20), taught both His disciples and large crowds of people, performed miracles, was crucified on a Roman cross, died, was buried, and literally rose from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15). Jesus proved His claim as God's Son, resulting in many people worshiping Him as Lord.

But at times, different documents have surfaced claiming to be the untold story—the up-to-now hidden “truth.” From Dan Brown’s fictional speculations about Jesus to spurious “gospel” accounts like those from Thomas and Barnabas, there’s no shortage of attempts to spread lies about Christ. This is the case with the Gospel of Barnabas. Regular Bible readers should instantly recognize that this “gospel” contradicts the four true gospel accounts. And it isn’t good enough for us to know this and think “what a shame” when we see others being fooled. The right Christian response is to be prepared to share and defend the true gospel against false accounts like the Gospel of Barnabas (1 Peter 3:15). Love for neighbor means sharing the truth rather than hoarding it (Matthew 25:14-30).

UNDERSTAND

• The Gospel of Barnabas was written much later and not by the biblical Barnabas.
• The Gospel of Barnabas contains contradictions and historical errors about Jesus and Scripture.
• The New Testament alone gives the true account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

REFLECT

• How do you verify what is true with books or other sources claiming to tell Jesus’ story?
• How does knowing the New Testament is historically reliable strengthen your faith in Jesus?
• How do you guard yourself against false teachings that distort who Jesus is and what He has done?

ENGAGE

• Why is it important for us to test writings like the Gospel of Barnabas against both Old and New Testament Scripture?
• What are the dangers for a community if it bases its view of Jesus on false writings instead of the New Testament?
• How can we encourage Muslims and others to look to the Bible itself to understand the true Jesus?