The Didaché
(AD 80-100)
The Didaché is a valuable source of insights into the life of the early Christians. Intended as a summary of Catholic doctrine that also touches on liturgy and questions of morality, it is addressed to those preparing themselves for baptism.
There is no precise date of composition. It was probably written between the years 80 and 100. Therefore, it is even older than the last books of the New Testament.
The original title is “The Lord's Instruction (Didaché) to the Gentiles through the Twelve Apostles.”
The first part of this book is an instruction for the catechumens on morals and discipline. This instruction follows a method common for both Jews and Greeks: presenting the two opposite ways, that of good and that of evil.
1 There are two ways, the Way of Life and the Way of Death, and there is a vast difference between them. The Way of Life is: First, you shall love God who created you, and secondly your neighbor as yourself. And do not do to another anything that you would not have done to yourself. Now the message of these words is this: Bless those that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what merit will you have? Do not even pagans do this? Love those who hate you, and you will have no enemies.
Refrain from sensual and bodily desires.
If a person slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him, and you will be perfect.
If anyone forces you to walk one mile, go two with him.
If someone takes your cloak, give him your inner garment as well.
If someone takes from you what is yours, do not demand it back, not even if you can. Give to everyone who asks, and do not refuse, for it is the Father's Will that a share of his own gifts be given to all.
Blessed is the man who gives, as God has told us to do, for he is without blame. Woe to him who takes. Yet if a person takes because he is indigent, he is innocent. But if he is not in need, he will be judged as to why he received and for what purpose. He will be in dire straits when examined for what he has done; and he will not be released until he has paid the last penny. We may add: Let your gift sweat in your hands until you know to whom you are giving.#1
The author goes on to warn the catechumens against murder, perjury, and all the great sins. Here we find one of the earliest explicit condemnations of abortion in Christian literature. Fraternity among men, including the practice of fraternal correction, is demanded.
2 My son, do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not corrupt young people, teaching them to sin. Do not commit sins of impurity. Do not steal. Do not practice magic or sorcery. Do not procure abortion, nor destroy a newborn child. Do not covet your neighbor's goods.
Do not swear falsely or bear false witness; do not slander or bring up past injuries.
Do not be double-minded or double-tongued; for a double tongue is a deadly snare. Your word shall not be false or vain, but endorsed with deeds. Avoid greed, extortion, hypocrisy, evil intentions, and pride. Do not concoct evil plans against your neighbor. Do not hate any man; some you will have to correct, some you will have to pray for, and some you shall love more than the breath of life that is in you.
3 My son, do not be irascible; wrath leads to murder. Do not be envious, controversial, or quarrelsome; these vices are occasions of deaths.
My child, do not consent to evil desires, for these lead to fornication. Do not use foul language or let your eyes wander, for from those come adulteries.
Be always sincere, for lies breed thefts. Do not allow yourself to be taken over by greed or vain glory, these vices breed thefts.
My son, avoid tale-bearing, it leads to detraction. Be patient, compassionate, sincere, peaceful, faithful always to the words you have heard.
Do not exalt yourself or consent to impulsiveness. Receive all events that may come, aware that nothing happens without God's consent.
4 My son, do not create divisions among men. Rather, you should promote peace among those who are fighting. Judge with justice, and do not discriminate against any person when correcting faults. Do not be of two minds, whether something should be this way or the other.
Do not hold your hands open for receiving and closed for giving. If you acquire anything by the labor of your hands, be ready to give it for the redemption of your sins.
Do not abandon the commandments of the Lord; keep them as you have received them, without adding or taking away anything.
Confess your sins in the church, and do not go to your prayer with an evil conscience.
This is the Way of Life.
Then the opposite way –the Way of the Death– is described:
5 And this is the Way of Death: First, it is an evil and accursed way of life, involving murder, adultery, lustful desires, fornication, theft, idolatry, magic arts, charms, robberies, false witness, hypocrisy, duplicity, fraud, vanity, malice, stubbornness, covetousness, foul talk, jealousy and envy, arrogance, haughtiness, boastfulness, lack of fear of the Lord.
You find in this Way those who are awake not for good but evil purposes, haters of truth, lovers of lies, strangers to meekness and long-suffering, in love with trivial things, always seeking a return, unmindful of the poor, uncaring of the oppressed, ignorant of their Creator, abortionists, murderers of children, corrupters of the creatures of God; those who reject the needy, crush the afflicted, side always with the rich, and unjustly judge the poor. This is sinful. My children, may you be delivered from such as these!
The second part is an exposition of the sacraments. It describes baptism, which usually was done by immersion although sometimes by pouring. Fasting is to be observed on Wednesday and Friday.
7 To baptize, proceed as follows: After first explaining all these doctrinal points, baptize in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, by immersion in running water –like a river. If you do not have a steady source of running water, baptize with any water, cold or warm –like in a bath. But if you do not have either, just pour some water on the head three times in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Let the one baptizing, and the person to be baptized, fast beforehand for one or two days.
8 You are to fast on Wednesday and Friday. And do not pray as the hypocrites do, but as the Lord commanded us in the Gospel, by saying “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One, for thine is the power and the glory forever.” Pray thus three times a day.
The oldest known Eucharistic Prayer is contained in this part. The Eucharist is also called “a spiritual food and drink.” The Church means not only the congregation of believers gathered for prayer, but also the all-embracing universal Church.
9 Celebrate the Eucharist as follows: Say over the cup: “We give you thanks, Father, for the holy vine of David, your servant, which you made known to us through Jesus your Son. To you be glory for ever.”
Over the broken bread say: “We give you thanks, Father for the life and the knowledge which you have revealed to us through Jesus your Son. To you be glory for ever. As this broken bread, made with grain scattered on the mountains, was gathered and became one, so too, may your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. For glory and power are yours through Jesus Christ for ever.”
Do not let anyone eat or drink of the Eucharist with you, except those who have been baptized in the Name of the Lord. For the statement of the Lord applies here also: “Do not give to dogs what is holy.”
10 After you have eaten, offer thanks in this manner: “We thank you, Holy Father, for your Name which you enshrined in our hearts. We thank you for the knowledge, faith, and immortality which you revealed to us through your Son Jesus. To you be glory for ever. Almighty King, you created all things for the sake of your Name; you gave men food and drink to enjoy so that they might give you thanks. Now you have favored us through Jesus your Son with this spiritual food and drink, as well as with eternal life. Above all we thank you because you are mighty. To you be glory for ever.
“Remember, Lord, your Church and deliver her from all evil. Perfect her in your love; and, once she has been sanctified, gather her together from the four winds into the kingdom which you have prepared for her. For power and glory are yours for ever.
“May grace come and this world pass away! Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let him come. If anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.”
The third part contains disciplinary norms of conduct. It describes the procedure to select bishops and deacons, the duties toward the hierarchy, and warns against the false preachers who try to take advantage of the good will of Christians. It sets the rules for discerning which ones truly “speak in the Spirit,” since it must have been a disturbing problem in those days.
11 If anyone comes to you and teaches the same things I have taught you, receive him. If a wicked person comes to you and teaches a different doctrine, do not listen to him (cf. 2 John 10). If one teaches so as to increase the practice of virtues and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him in the Name of the Lord.
Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. Do not, however, allow him to stay more than one day, or, if necessary, two. If he remains for three days, he is a false prophet. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. Not everyone who speaks in a spirit is a prophet, unless he behaves like a man of God. By their behavior, then, the false prophet and the true one shall be known.
It continues explaining the principles of charity and the necessity of earning a livelihood.
12 If a transient visitor arrives, assist him as much as you can, but he may not stay with you more than two days, or, if necessary, three. If he intends to settle among you, he must work for his living. If he has no trade or craft, use your judgment to find a job for him, so that a follower of Christ will not live idle in your midst. If he is not satisfied with this arrangement, be sure he is trying to make a living out of being a Christian. Be on your guard against such people.
The true prophet deserves help.
13 Take all first fruits of vintage of grapes and of the harvest, of cattle and sheep, and give these first fruits to the prophets. Likewise, when you open a new barrel of wine or oil, take the first draught and give it to the prophets. Of money and cloth or any other possession, first set aside a suitable portion, and give it as it is said in the commandment.
The Mass celebrated on Sundays is described in chapter 14. The Eucharist is described as “a sacrifice.” It also mentions the need for confession of sins and reconciliation with one's neighbor before receiving the Eucharist.
14 On the Lord's day, when you have been gathered together, break bread and celebrate the Eucharist. But first confess your sins so that your offering may be pure. If anyone has a quarrel with his neighbor, that person should not join you until he has been reconciled. Your sacrifice must not be defiled. In this regard, the Lord has said: “In every place and time offer me a pure sacrifice. I am a great King, says the Lord, and my Name is great among the nations.”
15 Correct one another, not in anger but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. And let no one speak with anyone who has harmed his neighbor, nor let him be heard until he repents.
The Didaché ends with a warning of things to come.
16 Be watchful over your eternal life. Your lamps are not to go out, and you must not remain unprepared, but ready, for you do not know the time when our Lord is going to come.
You should often gather together to receive the means of sanctity for your souls. The entire period of your perseverance in the faith will be of no use to you unless you are found perfect at the last moment.
In the last days, false prophets and deceivers will increase, sheep will be turned into wolves, and charity will be changed into hatred. For, as permissiveness increases, men will hate and persecute one another. And then the Deceiver of the world will come disguised as the Son of God; he will perform signs and wonders; the world will be delivered into his hands, and he will commit such outrages as have never been since the world began.
Then all mankind will pass into trial by fire, and many will be scandalized and will perish. But those who persevere in their faith will be saved from the curse.
Then the signs of the truth will appear: the first sign, an opening in the heavens; the second, a trumpet blast; the third, the resurrection of those who are dead, but not of all, but just as it was said, “The Lord will come and all his holy ones with him. Then the world will see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.”
Footnote:
1. This last sentence seems to contradict the preceding instruction; it is probably a proverb added by some copyist.
The Didaché is a valuable source of insights into the life of the early Christians. Intended as a summary of Catholic doctrine that also touches on liturgy and questions of morality, it is addressed to those preparing themselves for baptism.
There is no precise date of composition. It was probably written between the years 80 and 100. Therefore, it is even older than the last books of the New Testament.
The original title is “The Lord's Instruction (Didaché) to the Gentiles through the Twelve Apostles.”
The first part of this book is an instruction for the catechumens on morals and discipline. This instruction follows a method common for both Jews and Greeks: presenting the two opposite ways, that of good and that of evil.
1 There are two ways, the Way of Life and the Way of Death, and there is a vast difference between them. The Way of Life is: First, you shall love God who created you, and secondly your neighbor as yourself. And do not do to another anything that you would not have done to yourself. Now the message of these words is this: Bless those that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what merit will you have? Do not even pagans do this? Love those who hate you, and you will have no enemies.
Refrain from sensual and bodily desires.
If a person slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him, and you will be perfect.
If anyone forces you to walk one mile, go two with him.
If someone takes your cloak, give him your inner garment as well.
If someone takes from you what is yours, do not demand it back, not even if you can. Give to everyone who asks, and do not refuse, for it is the Father's Will that a share of his own gifts be given to all.
Blessed is the man who gives, as God has told us to do, for he is without blame. Woe to him who takes. Yet if a person takes because he is indigent, he is innocent. But if he is not in need, he will be judged as to why he received and for what purpose. He will be in dire straits when examined for what he has done; and he will not be released until he has paid the last penny. We may add: Let your gift sweat in your hands until you know to whom you are giving.#1
The author goes on to warn the catechumens against murder, perjury, and all the great sins. Here we find one of the earliest explicit condemnations of abortion in Christian literature. Fraternity among men, including the practice of fraternal correction, is demanded.
2 My son, do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not corrupt young people, teaching them to sin. Do not commit sins of impurity. Do not steal. Do not practice magic or sorcery. Do not procure abortion, nor destroy a newborn child. Do not covet your neighbor's goods.
Do not swear falsely or bear false witness; do not slander or bring up past injuries.
Do not be double-minded or double-tongued; for a double tongue is a deadly snare. Your word shall not be false or vain, but endorsed with deeds. Avoid greed, extortion, hypocrisy, evil intentions, and pride. Do not concoct evil plans against your neighbor. Do not hate any man; some you will have to correct, some you will have to pray for, and some you shall love more than the breath of life that is in you.
3 My son, do not be irascible; wrath leads to murder. Do not be envious, controversial, or quarrelsome; these vices are occasions of deaths.
My child, do not consent to evil desires, for these lead to fornication. Do not use foul language or let your eyes wander, for from those come adulteries.
Be always sincere, for lies breed thefts. Do not allow yourself to be taken over by greed or vain glory, these vices breed thefts.
My son, avoid tale-bearing, it leads to detraction. Be patient, compassionate, sincere, peaceful, faithful always to the words you have heard.
Do not exalt yourself or consent to impulsiveness. Receive all events that may come, aware that nothing happens without God's consent.
4 My son, do not create divisions among men. Rather, you should promote peace among those who are fighting. Judge with justice, and do not discriminate against any person when correcting faults. Do not be of two minds, whether something should be this way or the other.
Do not hold your hands open for receiving and closed for giving. If you acquire anything by the labor of your hands, be ready to give it for the redemption of your sins.
Do not abandon the commandments of the Lord; keep them as you have received them, without adding or taking away anything.
Confess your sins in the church, and do not go to your prayer with an evil conscience.
This is the Way of Life.
Then the opposite way –the Way of the Death– is described:
5 And this is the Way of Death: First, it is an evil and accursed way of life, involving murder, adultery, lustful desires, fornication, theft, idolatry, magic arts, charms, robberies, false witness, hypocrisy, duplicity, fraud, vanity, malice, stubbornness, covetousness, foul talk, jealousy and envy, arrogance, haughtiness, boastfulness, lack of fear of the Lord.
You find in this Way those who are awake not for good but evil purposes, haters of truth, lovers of lies, strangers to meekness and long-suffering, in love with trivial things, always seeking a return, unmindful of the poor, uncaring of the oppressed, ignorant of their Creator, abortionists, murderers of children, corrupters of the creatures of God; those who reject the needy, crush the afflicted, side always with the rich, and unjustly judge the poor. This is sinful. My children, may you be delivered from such as these!
The second part is an exposition of the sacraments. It describes baptism, which usually was done by immersion although sometimes by pouring. Fasting is to be observed on Wednesday and Friday.
7 To baptize, proceed as follows: After first explaining all these doctrinal points, baptize in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, by immersion in running water –like a river. If you do not have a steady source of running water, baptize with any water, cold or warm –like in a bath. But if you do not have either, just pour some water on the head three times in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Let the one baptizing, and the person to be baptized, fast beforehand for one or two days.
8 You are to fast on Wednesday and Friday. And do not pray as the hypocrites do, but as the Lord commanded us in the Gospel, by saying “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One, for thine is the power and the glory forever.” Pray thus three times a day.
The oldest known Eucharistic Prayer is contained in this part. The Eucharist is also called “a spiritual food and drink.” The Church means not only the congregation of believers gathered for prayer, but also the all-embracing universal Church.
9 Celebrate the Eucharist as follows: Say over the cup: “We give you thanks, Father, for the holy vine of David, your servant, which you made known to us through Jesus your Son. To you be glory for ever.”
Over the broken bread say: “We give you thanks, Father for the life and the knowledge which you have revealed to us through Jesus your Son. To you be glory for ever. As this broken bread, made with grain scattered on the mountains, was gathered and became one, so too, may your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. For glory and power are yours through Jesus Christ for ever.”
Do not let anyone eat or drink of the Eucharist with you, except those who have been baptized in the Name of the Lord. For the statement of the Lord applies here also: “Do not give to dogs what is holy.”
10 After you have eaten, offer thanks in this manner: “We thank you, Holy Father, for your Name which you enshrined in our hearts. We thank you for the knowledge, faith, and immortality which you revealed to us through your Son Jesus. To you be glory for ever. Almighty King, you created all things for the sake of your Name; you gave men food and drink to enjoy so that they might give you thanks. Now you have favored us through Jesus your Son with this spiritual food and drink, as well as with eternal life. Above all we thank you because you are mighty. To you be glory for ever.
“Remember, Lord, your Church and deliver her from all evil. Perfect her in your love; and, once she has been sanctified, gather her together from the four winds into the kingdom which you have prepared for her. For power and glory are yours for ever.
“May grace come and this world pass away! Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let him come. If anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.”
The third part contains disciplinary norms of conduct. It describes the procedure to select bishops and deacons, the duties toward the hierarchy, and warns against the false preachers who try to take advantage of the good will of Christians. It sets the rules for discerning which ones truly “speak in the Spirit,” since it must have been a disturbing problem in those days.
11 If anyone comes to you and teaches the same things I have taught you, receive him. If a wicked person comes to you and teaches a different doctrine, do not listen to him (cf. 2 John 10). If one teaches so as to increase the practice of virtues and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him in the Name of the Lord.
Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. Do not, however, allow him to stay more than one day, or, if necessary, two. If he remains for three days, he is a false prophet. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. Not everyone who speaks in a spirit is a prophet, unless he behaves like a man of God. By their behavior, then, the false prophet and the true one shall be known.
It continues explaining the principles of charity and the necessity of earning a livelihood.
12 If a transient visitor arrives, assist him as much as you can, but he may not stay with you more than two days, or, if necessary, three. If he intends to settle among you, he must work for his living. If he has no trade or craft, use your judgment to find a job for him, so that a follower of Christ will not live idle in your midst. If he is not satisfied with this arrangement, be sure he is trying to make a living out of being a Christian. Be on your guard against such people.
The true prophet deserves help.
13 Take all first fruits of vintage of grapes and of the harvest, of cattle and sheep, and give these first fruits to the prophets. Likewise, when you open a new barrel of wine or oil, take the first draught and give it to the prophets. Of money and cloth or any other possession, first set aside a suitable portion, and give it as it is said in the commandment.
The Mass celebrated on Sundays is described in chapter 14. The Eucharist is described as “a sacrifice.” It also mentions the need for confession of sins and reconciliation with one's neighbor before receiving the Eucharist.
14 On the Lord's day, when you have been gathered together, break bread and celebrate the Eucharist. But first confess your sins so that your offering may be pure. If anyone has a quarrel with his neighbor, that person should not join you until he has been reconciled. Your sacrifice must not be defiled. In this regard, the Lord has said: “In every place and time offer me a pure sacrifice. I am a great King, says the Lord, and my Name is great among the nations.”
15 Correct one another, not in anger but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. And let no one speak with anyone who has harmed his neighbor, nor let him be heard until he repents.
The Didaché ends with a warning of things to come.
16 Be watchful over your eternal life. Your lamps are not to go out, and you must not remain unprepared, but ready, for you do not know the time when our Lord is going to come.
You should often gather together to receive the means of sanctity for your souls. The entire period of your perseverance in the faith will be of no use to you unless you are found perfect at the last moment.
In the last days, false prophets and deceivers will increase, sheep will be turned into wolves, and charity will be changed into hatred. For, as permissiveness increases, men will hate and persecute one another. And then the Deceiver of the world will come disguised as the Son of God; he will perform signs and wonders; the world will be delivered into his hands, and he will commit such outrages as have never been since the world began.
Then all mankind will pass into trial by fire, and many will be scandalized and will perish. But those who persevere in their faith will be saved from the curse.
Then the signs of the truth will appear: the first sign, an opening in the heavens; the second, a trumpet blast; the third, the resurrection of those who are dead, but not of all, but just as it was said, “The Lord will come and all his holy ones with him. Then the world will see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.”
Footnote:
1. This last sentence seems to contradict the preceding instruction; it is probably a proverb added by some copyist.