Christianity 101: What is The Didache?

Please also note that this post was originally published on my old BLOG (on Blogger) and migrated to this new site.

Image taken from: joduma from Pixabay

The word Didache originates from the Greek term for doctrine, didactic, and teaching. This intriguing and somewhat controversial instruction book has sparked much debate regarding its date of writing. Currently, it is believed that the Didache, a non-canonical text, was penned between A.D. 70 and A.D. 100, and is attributed to be the work of the twelve Apostles. The Greek Apostolic Constitutions frequently reference the Didache, incorporating additional Scripture. The Didache appears to have served as a church manual for early Christians, particularly those in rural areas who relied on itinerant ministers. Over time, it was revised into various forms across different locations.

Several writings and lists from the early fourth century mention a text known as the "Teaching" or "Teachings" of the Apostles. However, it is not definitively proven that this refers to the Didache. The current version of the ancient Didache remains a valuable guide for understanding the conduct code of the early Christian community.

The Didache addresses the paths to life and death. According to the Didache, the path of life involves loving only one God, loving your neighbor as yourself, and adhering to a principle akin to the Golden Rule. It emphasizes seeing God as all-powerful, seeking Him day and night, not doubting His Word, keeping God's commandments, confessing sins, and approaching prayer with a clear conscience. This is regarded as the path of life.

The Didache tells us that the road to death is a treacherous path, marked by evil and taken by those who persecute the good, unaware of the reward of righteousness. The Didache aligns this path with the warnings found in Revelation 22:15, reminding us of the dangers posed by false teachers and emphasizing the importance of adhering to the true gospel. The Didache sternly warns that tempting and disputing any prophet speaking in the Spirit is unforgivable. Moreover, any prophet who is an approved minister but fails to teach others will face God's judgment.

The Didache foretells that the creation of man will culminate in a fiery trial of proof, leading to the perishing of many. It prophesies the sign of Jesus Christ's appearance, followed by the sound of the Trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. "Then shall the world behold the Lord coming on the clouds of Heaven."

Please note: sources for this article include Biblical Archaeology Society and BibleRef.Com.

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Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History, and American History from Temple University and Liberty University; he has also completed a Doctorate in Educational Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, the Golden Key Honor Society, the Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society. He has worked in educational technology for 30 years and specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom. He has also served as a classroom teacher in computer science, history, and English classes at both the high school and College levels. His baseball career spanned nearly 15 years, from high school through Division I college ball and a stint in professional ball. He is currently a co-host on the Romantic About Baseball podcast and host of Ring The Bell: A Journey Through Philadelphia Baseball History.

Bruce is also the author of several books, including Sands of Time, Towering Pines Volume One: Room 509, The Star of Christmas, Philadelphia Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel, and The Insider's Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel