The Didache: Our First Catechism

Introduction

     One of the earliest documents we have from church history is a document known as The Didache.  The name Didache comes from the Greek word meaning “teaching”.  Also called the Teaching of the Apostles (in reference to the first line of the document), this document is claimed to be a compilation of the direct teachings of the Apostles.  The exact dating of the Didache hasn’t been determined, but it is thought to range from between 60 and 110 AD 1.  Given the standard date of death for some of the Apostles, such as Saint Paul, Peter, and John, this document could very well have existed during their lifetimes.  Some early Christians held that the document was inspired scripture, though it never made it’s way into the canon, though some scholars hold the opinion that the Gospel of Matthew is largely dependent on, and draws from, the Didache 2.

Composition

  The Didache is separated into sixteen chapters, with each section containing a brief paragraph of points regarding the chapter topic.  Sections include topics such as The Commandments, avoiding sin, the method of baptism, fasting, prayer, the Eucharist, and Bishops 3.  Interesting things to note are that baptisms were traditionally held in a river, if available, in order to simulate Our Lord’s baptism, but, if unavailable, the current method of sprinkling water over the head was allowed 4.  The Lord’s Prayer was also directed to be said three times a day 5.  Instruction is provided on these topics due to the still forming nature of the early church.  Though still early, the clear and established belief in the Eucharist 6, baptism, a hierarchical church and holy orders is obvious throughout the text.

Apologetical Value

  The importance of the Didache in relation to church history can’t be understated.  The existence and contents of this document go to support a variety of Catholic beliefs and practices that have been challenged throughout the years.  Ranging from the authority of apostolic teaching, the handing down of tradition outside of scripture, infant baptism, sprinkling versus immersion baptism, the offices of bishop, priest, and deacon, and Eucharistic prayers, are all attested to at a date far earlier that is claimed by critics who mistakenly accuse the Catholic Church of making up these beliefs in the Middle Ages.

Conclusion

     In conclusion, any student of church history should take the time to read over this document and see it as a valuable porthole into the very earliest times of the church.  Before we had an established canon of scripture, the Didache exited as a useful guide to help the early Christians in the proper liturgical and spiritual practices.  Both Apologists and Catechists should reference this document in the practice of their duties, since it can still serve as a valuable tool even in our modern day.

1 Henry Chadwick The Early Church (New York: Penguin Books, 1967), 47

2 A. J. P. Garrow “The Gospel of Matthew’s Dependence on the Didache”. Journal for the Study of the New Testament. London: Continuum, 2004, 72

3 The Didache located at New Advent at www.newadvent.org


4 The Didache located at New Advent at www.newadvent.org


5 The Didache located at New Advent at www.newadvent.org

6 Jonathan Schwiebert Knowledge and the Coming Kingdom : The Didache’s Meal Ritual and Its Place in Early Christianity (London: T&T Clark, 2008), 19