The Didache

 

("The Didache," librivox.org.)

    The Didache , also known as the Doctrine of the Lord, is an early Church document dated before the year 100 A.D., most likely between 50 to 70 A.D. [1] Originally written in Greek, the document contains moral teachings and instructions for Christian events such as Baptism, fasting, and celebrating the mass. [2] The Didache , which has fifteen sections, is divided into two main parts: the first half is addressed to the singular you, designating direction given to one person, and the second half is addressed to the plural you, suggesting an audience of many people. [3]

    The first half of the Didache , which has six section, is also known as the "Two Ways" section; it begins by explaining that there is a Way of Life and a Way of Death. In the first section, it explains how to follow the Way of Life, integrating parts of Scripture to explain the two greatest commandments--loving God and one's neighbor. The content of the second section is a list of things which those of the Way of Life ought not to do. Besides including the basics of the commandments, such as not murdering or committing adultery, the text also clarifies that smaller things, such as speaking evil or swindling from others, are still evil.

    The third part, elaborating on the part before it, speaks about the evil things which lead a person to greater sins. For example, it says that obscene speech leads to adultery and that anger lead to violence and murder. The part ends by giving commands about some actions that ought to be done, such as being patient and being content with all the life experiences, seeing them all as good since God does all things. 

    In the fourth section, directions concerning relationships with others are given. For example, it commands that all members should practice charitable giving, be just in all dealings, and daily seek out holy people to confirm oneself in doing good. It also gives specific instructions to parents, children, and slaves, directing them on how to do their duties well and how to respect God.

    The Way of Death is outlined in the fifth section. Firstly, it lists the sins or characteristics of those who follow the Way of Death. It ends by wishing or praying that all may be spared from the Way of Death. It this sentence, the "you" used is in the plural, addressed to many people. [4] The sixth part is brief, restating the importance of following the Way of Life, doing all that one can to be as good as possible.

    With the seventh section, the second main part of the Didache begins. It gives instructions for baptism including the formula, what kind of water to use, and direction for fasting of the baptismal candidate. The eighth part speaks about days for fasting, as well as presenting the Our Father as the best way to pray.

    The next two parts give instructions for the celebration of the thanksgiving meal or the Eucharist. Section nine gives the text for prayers regarding the "blessing of the cup" and the "blessing of the fragment," as well as clarifying that only the baptized were to partake of the Eucharist. The tenth section gives the text for a prayer after all have eaten the meal.

    The eleventh section relates instructions for dealing with teachers, apostles, and prophets, showing how to discern between those that are good and those that are false; the document explains that their behavior will show which they are. For example, if they ask for money or are hypocrites, then they are false. The document commands to reject those that are false, but accept those that are good, offering them lodging and food. Similarly, the twelfth part says to receive all that come in the name of the Lord, but that they should only stay a few days and after that they should be willing to work. True prophets and teachers should be given food and clothing, part thirteen explains, as should the poor.

    Part fourteen explains that the mass should be celebrated every Sunday and that all should confess their sins to avoid profaning the Eucharist. Guidelines for choosing bishops and deacons, who should be honest and not greedy among other things, are included in part fifteen along with a command to practice fraternal correction.

    The Didache ends with a exhortation to keep constant in faith even among lawlessness and chaos until the Lord comes again in power.

    According to some scholars, the Didache is a sort of manual or guide for leaders of new Christian communities [5] probably formulated to solve questions and misunderstandings about the celebration of the Eucharist and initiation. [6] The first part, section one through six, would be sort of a script for leaders explaining to new members how to follow Christianity, hence the use of the singular second person. [7] The second part, using the plural second person, is addressed to the leaders of the newly formed Church, giving instructions for rites and governance of the local Christian community. [8]

    In short, the Didache is an early first century Church document likely designed for new Christian communities which outlines the basic moral code of Christianity and provides direction for prayer and religious ceremonies.



[1] Michael J. Svigel, "Didache as a Practical Enchiridion for Early Church Plants," Bibliotheca Sacra 174 (2017), 78.
[2] Geoffrey Wainwright, The Oxford History of Christian Worship (Oxford: Oxford Univiersity, 2006), 38.
[3] Clayton N. Jefford, The Didache in Context: Essays on Its Text, History, and Transmission (Leiden, Netherlands: E. J. Brill, 1995), 4.
[4] Jefford, The Didache in Context, 8.
[5] Svigel, "Didache as a Practical Enchiridion," 80.
[6] Shawn J. Wilhite, "Thirty-Five Years Later: A Summary of Didache Scholarship Since 1983," Currents in Biblical Research 17, no. 3 (2019), 277.
[7] Svigel, "Didache as a Practical Enchiridion," 84-85
[8] Svigel, "Didache as a Practical Enchiridion," 85-86.