The Didache, also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is an early Christian text dating back to the 1st or 2nd century AD. It is considered part of the category of texts known as the Apostolic Fathers. The Didache provides guidance and instructions for Christian communities on various matters of faith and practice.
Discovery and Dating of the Didache
The Didache was lost for centuries before being rediscovered in 1873 by Philotheos Bryennios, Metropolitan of Nicomedia, in the Codex Hierosolymitanus. Scholars generally date the Didache to sometime in the 1st or 2nd century AD, with possible dates ranging from as early as AD 50 to as late as AD 150. The earlier end of this timeframe would mean it was composed around the same time as some of the New Testament writings.
The dating of the Didache relies heavily on evaluating its relationship to other early Christian texts, as well as features of its language and theology that may reveal clues about its origins. For example, the Didache does not seem to be based on or show awareness of major 2nd century theological developments, which has led many scholars to favor an earlier 1st century date of composition.
Contents of the Didache
The Didache contains instructions and exhortations on ethical matters, church organization, rituals, and eschatology. Here is an overview of its contents:
The Two Ways (Didache 1-6)
The first section presents two ways or paths one can take in life – the way of life or the way of death. It contrasts behaviors and attributes associated with each path. This section bears similarities to portions of other early Christian texts like the Epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of Hermas.
Rituals (Didache 7-10)
This section provides instructions on baptism, fasting, prayer, Eucharist, and how to treat prophets and apostles. For example, it prescribes baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). It also instructs giving Eucharist first to baptized members, then allowing catechumens to partake.
Church Leadership (Didache 11-15)
These chapters discuss how to appoint bishops and deacons, as well as their character and conduct. Bishops are to be honored as God’s stewards, while deacons serve them and the congregation. It warns congregations not to despise their leaders or judge them hastily.
Eschatology (Didache 16)
The Didache expresses belief in Jesus’ second coming to judge the living and the dead. It calls for constant vigilance since the time of His coming is unknown. This section echoes Jesus’ Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25).
Significance of the Didache
The Didache provides a window into the life of early Christian congregations and their challenges. Its teachings were likely meant to provide basic instruction in the faith for new Gentile converts who lacked grounding in the ethical principles and rituals of Christianity. Specific ways the Didache is valuable include:
Early Church Practices
It reveals some of the doctrines, rituals, and organization of the primitive church. For example, how they baptized and celebrated communion, treated church leaders and prophets, and cared for the poor.
Ethical Instruction
The Didache underscores core ethical teachings that were foundational to Christianity, like the prohibition against murder, adultery, and abortion. It also encourages practices like almsgiving and hospitality.
Origins of Liturgy
It provides some of the earliest documented liturgical prayers, like those surrounding baptism and Eucharist. This illuminates the beginnings of Christian liturgy.
Relationship to Judaism
The text highlights both continuity and divergence from Jewish practices and teachings. Scholars see it as an important transitional bridge between Judaism and emerging Christianity.
Teachings of Jesus
While not quoting them directly, the Didache reflects many sayings of Jesus contained in the Gospels. It indicates these were in circulation and remembered by the early church.
Early Christian Communities
The Didache offers a rare window into early house churches and how they sought to conduct themselves in the midst of persecution and struggle. It reveals their challenges and concerns as the faith spread into the Gentile world.
Theology in the Didache
Though a brief and relatively straightforward document, the Didache provides insight into some of the dominant theological perspectives of early Christianity:
High View of Baptism
The Didache underscores the importance of baptism even in an age of persecution when publicly identifying as a Christian was risky. Baptism’s vital role in salvic initiation is affirmed.
Lord’s Supper as Sacrifice
The Eucharist prayers suggest a view of communion as participation in Christ’s once-for-all sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
Imminent Eschatology
There is a sense of urgency and expectation surrounding Christ’s return to judge the living and the dead, reminiscent of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse. Christians are to keep watch and prepare.
High Christology
While the text does not delve deeply into Christological definitions, there is implied belief in the divinity of Christ, the Trinitarian name invoked in baptism, and Christ as eternal judge of mankind.
Importance of Ethical Living
Right belief is linked in the Didache with how one lives. There is emphasis on righteous conduct that flows from an internal transformation through identification with Christ’s sacrifice.
Relationship to the Canon
The Didache was highly regarded by some early church fathers and considered for inclusion in the canon of the New Testament. Ultimately it was not included for reasons that may have included:
Questions of Apostolic Authorship
The text does not definitively name its author, which was an important criteria for canonicity. The title implying apostolic authorship likely arose later.
Stylistic Simplicity
Its syntax, grammar, and style were relatively unpolished compared to other early Christian texts that were considered.
Limited Theology
While the Didache highlights core ethical and liturgical practices, it does not present substantive theological reflection or exposition of Scripture found in canonical books.
Questions of Provenance
Uncertainty around its exact origins and chain of transmission created questions about the universal applicability of its teachings.
Emerging Hierarchical Leadership
During the formation of the canon in the late 2nd to 4th centuries, growing church hierarchy may have preferred documents supporting emerging episcopacy. The Didache reflects an earlier form of communal leadership.
Nonetheless, church leaders recommended the Didache for reading and valued it as a historical witness to early Christianity and its teachings. The text continued to be transmitted and preserved into the medieval period.
Later Significance and Influence
Although not ultimately included in Scripture, the Didache continued to have influence in the post-apostolic era and beyond:
Catechism in the Early Church
Many scholars believe the Didache, given its basic ethical and liturgical contents, served as a sort of catechism for early Christian converts, especially gentiles.
Influence on Canon Development
While not canonical itself, the Didache may have influenced the development of the canon by reflecting Christian teachings authorities wanted the canon to convey.
Liturgical Development
The liturgical prayers and instructions represented some of the earliest Christian liturgy, which developed into more formalized ceremonies and sacramental rites over time.
House Church Dynamics
The Didache sheds light on how early Christians organized themselves communally in house churches led by itinerant prophets, apostles, bishops, and deacons.
Preservation by Church Fathers
Numerous early church fathers referenced and were influenced by the Didache, helping ensure its survival, transmission, and availability for modern study.
Insights for Modern Readers
While not regarded as inspired Scripture, the Didache continues to provide modern readers historical understanding of early Christianity and appreciation for the ethical foundations undergirding the faith.
Key Excerpts from the Didache
Here are some notable excerpts from the Didache that provide a glimpse into its message and teachings:
“There are two ways, one of life and one of death; but a great difference between the two ways.” (Didache 1:1)
“You shall not murder…You shall not commit adultery…You shall not corrupt boys…You shall not commit fornication…” (Didache 2:2)
“Now concerning baptism, baptize as follows: after you have reviewed all these things, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Didache 7:1)
“Elect for yourselves therefore bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord…for they also perform for you the ministry of the prophets and teachers.” (Didache 15:1)
“Watch for your life; let your lamps not be quenched and your loins not ungirdled, but be prepared, for you know not the hour at which our Lord comes.” (Didache 16:1)
Conclusion
In summary, the Didache provides invaluable insight into the beliefs, rituals, challenges, and leadership of early Christian communities. While not regarded as Scripture, this apostolic-era document preserved the ethical ideals, liturgical practices, and eschatological urgency of some of the earliest followers of The Way. The Didache continues to edify readers seeking a window into primitive Christianity and its formative years following the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.