The Epistle of Barnabas

He then speaks to them again about these matters, “Why do you fast to Me like this day, says the Lord, so that your voice is heard with a cry? I have not chosen this fast, says the Lord, for a man to humble his soul. Nor, even if you bow your neck like a ring and dress in sackcloth and ashes, will you call it an acceptable fast.” To us He says, “Behold, this is the fast that I have chosen, says the Lord, not for a man to humble his soul, but to break every chain of iniquity, untie the fastenings of harsh agreements, free those who are bruised, tear apart every unjust deal, share your bread with the hungry, clothe the naked when you see them, bring the homeless into your house, not look down on the humble if you see them, and not turn away from your own family.

Then your dawn shall break forth, and your healing shall quickly spring up, and righteousness shall go before you, and the glory of God shall surround you; and then you shall call, and God shall hear you; while you are still speaking, He shall say, Here I am with you; if you remove from yourself the chain binding others, and the spreading of hands to swear falsely, and words of murmuring, and willingly give your bread to the hungry, and show compassion to the soul that has been humbled.” Therefore, brothers, He is patient, knowing how the people He has prepared will sincerely believe in His Beloved.

For He revealed all these things to us beforehand, so that we should not rush forward as reckless acceptors of their laws.