The Didache
A translation of one of the earliest Christian documents, offering a glimpse into the faith, worship, and daily life of the early Church.
Themes that emerged
Date
- Cerca 50-120 AD
Summary
The Didache (“The Teaching”) is one of the earliest surviving Christian writings outside the New Testament. Rather than being a theological treatise, it serves as a practical handbook for Christian life. It teaches the “Way of Life” and the “Way of Death,” gives instructions on baptism, fasting, prayer, the Eucharist, generosity, raising children, church order, and discerning genuine Christian leaders. It offers a remarkable glimpse into how some of the earliest Christian communities lived only a generation after the apostles.
Memorable Quotations
not: a clear manual on how early Christians organized their communities, worshipped, and distinguished real teachers from impostors. The Didache was written between 50 and 120 AD, possibly while Matthew and Luke were still writing their Gospels.
Traditional Jewish prayer included three daily prayer times: morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Maariv). These times were linked to the Temple sacrifice schedule and had deep roots in Jewish tradition. Daniel 6:10 mentions Daniel praying three times daily, and Psalm 55:17 references “evening, morning, and noon” prayer.
Related Scripture
- Daniel 6:10
- Psalm 55:17
- Acts 3:1
The Didache participates in the second strategy. It doesn’t claim any single apostle as its author. Instead, it presents itself as the teaching of the Twelve collectively—the essential Christian instruction that the apostolic circle as a whole taught to new communities.
What credit is it to you if you only love those who love you? Even the pagans do that. But if you love those who hate you, you will have no enemies.
Related Scripture
- Matthew 5
- Luke 6
Give to everyone who asks, and do not ask for it back, for the Father wants the gifts he has given us to be shared with all.
You shall not hate anyone; instead, you are to correct some, pray for others, and love some more than your own life.
Do not be prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Do not be jealous, argumentative, or hot-tempered, for all of these breed murder.
be meek, for the meek will inherit the earth. Be patient, merciful, sincere, gentle, and good, and always tremble at the words you have heard. Do not exalt yourself or allow your soul to become arrogant. Do not let your soul associate with the proud, but let it spend time with the righteous and humble. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that nothing occurs apart from God.
Do not neglect your son or your daughter; instead, teach them the fear of God from their youth.
In the church, you must confess your wrongdoings, and you must not go to your prayer with a guilty conscience. This is the path of life.
Before the baptism, the one baptizing and the one being baptized should fast, along with anyone else who is able. You should instruct the one being baptized to fast for one or two days beforehand.
“We thank you, holy Father, for your holy name, which you have caused to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge, faith, and immortality which you have made known to us through Jesus your Servant. To you be the glory forever. You, Almighty Master, created all things for your name’s sake. You gave food and drink to mankind for their enjoyment, so that they might give thanks to you. But to us, you have graciously given spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your Servant. Above all things, we thank you because you are mighty. To you be the glory forever. Remember, Lord, your Church. Deliver it from all evil and make it perfect in your love. Gather it from the four winds, sanctified for your kingdom which you have prepared for it. For yours is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come, and let 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.”
Of your money, clothing, and every other possession, take the first portion, as you see fit, and give it according to the commandment.