The Epistle of Barnabas

in order to fulfil the promise made to the fathers, and himself prepare for himself the new people and show while he was on earth that he himself will raise the dead and judge the risen.

Furthermore, while teaching Israel and doing such great signs and wonders he preached to them and loved them greatly;

but when he chose out his own Apostles who were to preach his Gospel, he chose those who were iniquitous above all sin to show that he came not to call the righteous but sinners,—then he manifested himself as God’s Son.

For if he had not come in the flesh men could in no way have been saved by beholding him; seeing that they have not the power when they look at the sun to gaze straight at its rays, though it is destined to perish, and is the work of his hands.