Didache

Definition

Didache, also known as 'The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles,' is an ancient Christian text that provides insight into the early church's teachings, ethics, and practices. This text serves as an essential guide for new believers, outlining key doctrines and rituals that defined the early Christian community. By addressing both moral instruction and liturgical practices, the Didache reflects the foundational beliefs that would shape the development of Christian doctrines and creeds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Didache is believed to have been written in the late 1st or early 2nd century, making it one of the earliest Christian documents outside of the New Testament.
2. It consists of several sections, including teachings on morality, instructions for baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist, highlighting the importance of community and ethical living.
3. The text provides guidelines for church leaders, including bishops and deacons, emphasizing their roles in maintaining order and teaching within the Christian community.
4. The Didache emphasizes two ways: the Way of Life, which advocates for ethical behavior and love, and the Way of Death, which warns against sinful behaviors.
5. Although not included in the canonical New Testament, the Didache has influenced Christian thought and practice throughout history and remains a significant resource for understanding early Christianity.

Review Questions

• How does the Didache reflect the ethical teachings and moral expectations of early Christians?
  • The Didache reflects early Christian ethical teachings by providing clear instructions on how believers should live according to Jesus' teachings. It emphasizes love for God and neighbor while outlining behaviors to avoid that lead to spiritual death. This moral framework served as a guide for new converts to align their lives with Christian values and foster a strong sense of community.
• In what ways does the Didache contribute to our understanding of early Christian liturgical practices?
  • The Didache contributes significantly to our understanding of early Christian liturgical practices by detailing essential rituals such as baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist. It offers specific guidelines on how these practices should be conducted within the community, thus providing a snapshot of how early Christians worshiped together. This information helps scholars trace the evolution of Christian liturgy over time.
• Evaluate the significance of the Didache's teachings on church leadership in shaping early Christian communities.
  • The Didache's teachings on church leadership are significant because they outline clear roles for bishops and deacons, establishing a structure that would become vital for church governance. By emphasizing accountability and teaching within the community, these guidelines helped ensure stability and continuity in faith practices during a time of rapid growth and change. Understanding these roles reveals how early Christians organized themselves to maintain unity amidst diverse beliefs and practices.

Related terms

Apostolic Fathers: A group of early Christian writers who are considered to be the disciples of the apostles and whose writings provide insights into early Christian theology and practice.

Creeds: Formal statements of faith that summarize core beliefs and doctrines of Christianity, often used in liturgical contexts to affirm shared faith among believers.

Early Church: The period of Christianity from its inception in the 1st century until the establishment of Christianity as a state religion in the 4th century, characterized by rapid growth and doctrinal development.