The Didache

Christie Gardens November 13, 2011 Steven K. Burger

Introduction
Didache - means teaching or training Everyone knew it was around, but everybody thought it was lost 1873 it was found in a library in Constantinople by a librarian. Belongs to the period before the temple was destroyed. Don't see themselves as Christian but Jewish with a new covenant. How to do baptism and the Eucharist. Recognized as secondary to scripture by church fathers.

Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment

The Way of Life

1. You shall love God who made you 2. Love your neighbor as yourself 3. Negative of golden rule. 4. Love those who hate you 5. Give to every one who asks you

Philotheos Bryennios

The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden

No: 1. Murder 2. adultery 3. pederastry 4. fornication 5. stealing 6. magic 7. swearing 8. abortion 9. covet 10. false witness 11. speak evil 12. grudges 1. greed 2. hypocrasy 3. proud 4. evil council 5. hating

Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden

No: 1. Anger 2. Jealous 3. Quarrelsome 4. Lustful 5. filthy talker 6. wandering eye 7. no looking for omens 8. lying 9. $$$ loving Be: 1. Meek 2. Long-suffering 3. Pitful 4. Gentle 5. Good 6. Humble 7. Join lowly people. 8. Accept all things.

Chapter 4. Various Precepts

Wherever the Lord's word is uttered God is there. No division. Seek out the saints Be good to your servants. Do not add or subtract from the commandments. Confess your sins.

Chapter 5. The Way of Death

No: 1. Murder 2. Adultery 3. Lust 4. Fornication 5. Theft 6. Idolatry 7. Rape 8. False witness 9. Hypocrisy. 10. Double-heartedness, 11. Over-confidence 12. Loving a lie

Chapter 6. Against False Teachers

See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able.

Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism

1. Baptize with living water! 2. Fast when baptized.

Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer) - 3x per day

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 today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever..

Chapter 9. The Eucharist

We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever.. We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever..

Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion

We thank you, holy Father, for your holy name which you caused to dwell in our hearts, and for knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, created all things for Thy name's sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever.... Amen

Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets

Receive him who teaches the teaches the gospel Let the prophet take nothing but bread

False prophets want money. Do not judge Spiritual Prophets

Chapter 12. Reception of Christians.

Receive all Christians

...but only for 2-3 days.

OK to stay and work

No idle visitors.

Chapter 13. Support of Prophets.

Prophets are worthy of support.

Give them your first-fruits.

Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day.

Be reconciled with each other:

"In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."

Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof.

Let the bishops be: 1. worthy of the Lord 2. men that are meek 3. not lovers of money 4. truthful 5. proved

Chapter 16. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord.

Be ready and watchful! There will be many false prophets and hatred. Then there will a fiery trial.

"The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him."