Didache

Definition

The Didache, also known as the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is an early Christian text that provides instructions on ethics, rituals, and church organization. This text is significant as it offers insight into the beliefs and practices of the early Christian community and reflects the transition from a predominantly Jewish context to a distinct Christian identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Didache is one of the earliest known Christian texts outside of the New Testament and dates back to the late first or early second century.
2. It is divided into two main sections: one dealing with ethical teachings and moral behavior, and the other focused on liturgical practices and church governance.
3. The text emphasizes a dualistic view of life, contrasting the way of life (righteousness) with the way of death (sinfulness), serving as a guide for moral conduct.
4. The Didache outlines specific rituals such as baptism and the Eucharist, providing insights into the worship practices of early Christians.
5. Scholars regard the Didache as a valuable resource for understanding the development of early Christian communities and their efforts to establish distinct identities apart from Judaism.

Review Questions

• How does the Didache reflect the ethical teachings and moral expectations of early Christianity?
  • The Didache presents a clear contrast between the way of life and the way of death, highlighting essential ethical teachings that early Christians were expected to follow. It provides practical guidelines for moral conduct, emphasizing love, charity, and humility while warning against behaviors considered sinful. By outlining these expectations, the Didache served as a foundational document for shaping the moral framework within which early Christians lived.
• In what ways does the Didache contribute to our understanding of early Christian rituals and community structure?
  • The Didache is crucial for comprehending early Christian rituals, as it describes practices such as baptism and the Eucharist in detail. It also addresses church governance by outlining how leaders should be appointed and how communities should function. By documenting these elements, the Didache helps scholars trace how early Christians organized themselves, worshiped, and maintained unity within their communities amidst diverse cultural influences.
• Evaluate the significance of the Didache in distinguishing early Christianity from its Jewish roots and its impact on later Christian thought.
  • The Didache plays a significant role in illustrating how early Christianity began to define itself independently from Judaism. Its emphasis on distinct rituals and ethical guidelines reflects a shift toward a separate identity, which became critical for establishing Christian doctrine. As later Christian thought developed, elements found in the Didache influenced various theological discussions and shaped the practices that would become standard in many branches of Christianity, highlighting its lasting impact on the evolution of faith traditions.

Related terms

Apostolic Fathers: A group of early Christian writers who are believed to have been taught by the apostles or their immediate successors, providing valuable insights into early Christian thought.

Catechesis: The process of religious instruction and formation, particularly in preparing individuals for baptism and full participation in the Christian community.

Apocryphal Texts: Writings that are not considered canonical or authoritative by mainstream Christianity, often containing teachings or stories about Jesus and his followers.