The Didache
By Unknown (c. AD 50-120)

The Didache (did'-uh-kay) or “The Teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles by the Twelve Apostles” is one of the earliest Christian documents we know of. Some scholars call it the “first Christian document.” It is clearly a Christian “manual” of discipleship and instruction--a catechism for new converts. It covers in a short, simple manner everything from moral conduct, attitudes, sin, lifestyle, and baptism to worship, leadership gifts and the Second Coming.

There is a variety of opinion as to exactly when it was written, but most put it between AD 50 and AD 120. Many believe it either could be, or is based on the document that came out of the Apostolic Council at Jerusalem in AD 49 featured in Acts 15. The controversy over circumcision and keeping Jewish law ended with the apostles deciding to advise the Gentiles on only a few clear matters including abstaining from meat offered to idols. (Acts 15:28, 29) That’s also directly mentioned in chapter 6 of The Didache.

Here is an excerpt of the sections that deal with baptism, fasting and prayer, the Lord’s Prayer and the Eucharistic celebration (communion). It gives us a glimpse into a document that appears to have been a “staple” in the life of early believers.


THE DIDACHE
or
THE TEACHING OF THE LORD TO THE GENTILES BY THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Translated by J.B.Lightfoot, 1891

Chapters 7-10, 14

7. But concerning baptism, thus shall you baptize. Having first recited all these things, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in living (running) water. But if you don't have living water, then baptize in other water; and if you are not able in cold, then in warm. But if you have neither, then pour water on the head thrice in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the one who baptizes and the one to be baptized fast, and any others also who are able; and you must order the one who is to be baptized to fast a day or two before.

8. Don't let your fasting be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and the fifth day of the week; but keep your fast on the fourth and on the preparation (the sixth) day. Neither pray as the hypocrites, but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, thus pray you:

"Our Father, who are in heaven, Your name be hollowed; Your kingdom come; Your will be done, as in Heaven, so also on Earth; give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors; and don't lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one; for Yours is the power and the glory for ever and ever."

Three times in the day pray like this.

9. But as touching the eucharistic thanksgiving give thanks thus. First, as regards the cup:

"We give You thanks, O our Father, for the holy vine of Your son David, which You made known to us through Your Son Jesus; Yours is the glory for ever and ever."

Then as regards the broken bread:

"We give You thanks, O our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Your Son Jesus; Yours is the glory for ever and ever. As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains and being gathered from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; for Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever and ever."

But let no one eat or drink of this eucharistic thanksgiving, but those who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said: Don't give what is holy to the dogs.

10. After you are satisfied give thanks thus:

"We give You thanks, Holy Father, for Your holy name, which You have made to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You have made known to us through Your Son Jesus; Yours is the glory for ever and ever.

"You, Almighty Master, created all things for Your name's sake, and gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, so that they might render thanks to You; but bestowed upon us spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Your Son. Before all things we give You thanks that You are powerful; Yours is the glory for ever and ever.

"Remember, Lord, Your Church to deliver it from all evil and to perfect it in Your love; and gather it together from the four winds -- even the Church which has been sanctified -- into Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory for ever and ever.

"May grace come and may this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If any man is holy, let him come; if any man is not, let him repent. Maran Atha. Amen."

14. On the Lord's own day gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks, first confessing your transgressions, so that your sacrifice may be pure. Let no man who has a dispute with his fellow join your assembly until they have been reconciled, so that your sacrifice may not be defiled; for it was this sacrifice that was spoken of by the Lord; "In every place and at every time offer Me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great king, says the Lord, and My name is wonderful among the nations."

-Edited by Fred J. Heumann


(To read the entire text of The Didache, use this link.)