Introduction

The Didache, also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is an ancient Christian document that was written in the first century. It is a brief instructional text that provides guidance on Christian practices, including baptism, liturgy, church hierarchy, and ethics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Didache, including its date of writing, instructions for liturgy, church hierarchy, baptism, and other teachings.

Date of Writing

The dating of the Didache has been a topic of much debate among scholars. However, the most common view is that it was written in the late first or early second century. The text is believed to have been written in Palestine, and many scholars posit that the community that produced the Didache had close connections to the apostles.

Instructions for Liturgy

The Didache’s primary instruction for liturgy is the Eucharist or the “Thanksgiving” in which the community gathers to offer praise and thanksgiving. It provides specific instructions for how the Eucharist should be conducted, including the use of wine and bread and the pronouncement of specific prayers by the presiding elder.

Church Hierarchy

The Didache provides insight into the early Christian church hierarchy and leadership structure. It recognizes two offices of ministry, bishops or presbyters, and deacons. Bishops or presbyters were charged with teaching and preaching, and the Didache stresses the importance of submitting to their authority. Deacons, on the other hand, were responsible for the administration of the Church, specifically the care of the poor and the marginalized in the community.

Baptism

The Didache provides instructions for the practice of baptism, outlining the importance of baptism in the Christian faith. It emphasizes the use of running water, including baptismal immersion but acknowledges that this may not always be possible. The text also stresses that the person being baptized should fast for one or two days before being baptized and that a summary of the Didache teachings should be read to them before being baptized.

Other Teachings

In addition to baptism, liturgy, and church hierarchy, the Didache provides other essential teachings. It outlines the Christian moral code, such as the Two Ways, a concept that outlines the differences between the paths of life and death. It also provides ethical guidelines for Christian behavior, including the importance of loving one’s neighbor, caring for the poor and needy in the community, and avoiding anger, lying, and other vices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Didache provides essential insight into the early Christian church’s practices, including liturgy, church hierarchy, baptism, and ethics. Although the date of its composition is subject to debate, scholars agree that it was written in the first century. The Didache’s teaching on liturgy emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist, while its discussion of church hierarchy provides evidence of the early Church’s organizational structure. Its instructions for baptism and ethical guidelines offer valuable insight into the early Christian faith. Despite its brevity, the Didache remains an important text in Christian literature.

References:

Holmes, M. W. (2007). The Apostolic Fathers in English. Baker Academic.

O’Loughlin, T. (2010). The Didache: A window on the earliest Christians. Baker Academic.

Ruiz, J. R. (2008). The Didache: Its Jewish sources and its place in early Judaism and Christianity. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 70(1), 77-96.