Whenever we have questions that are spiritual or theological in nature we turn to the Bible for an answer. However, the Bible is not canonized until the fourth century AD. What did the early Christians use to govern the church in the absence of the Bible and when they realized that Jesus was not going to return when they anticipated.
The Production and Usage of the Didache in the Early Christian Church
Introduction
The Didache, often referred to as the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is one of the earliest Christian writings, believed to have been composed around 90 AD. It is considered one of the most important documents of early Christian instruction, reflecting the practices, beliefs, and organization of the New Testament Church. Though the Didache did not ultimately become part of the canonized Bible, it played a vital role in shaping the life and liturgy of early Christian communities. This essay explores the production and usage of the Didache, its content, and its influence on the early Church prior to the canonization of the Bible at the Council of Rome in 382 AD.
The Production of the Didache
The Didache is often attributed to the Apostolic Fathers, an early group of Christian leaders who preserved and passed down teachings and practices from the apostles. Its full title, The Teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles by the Twelve Apostles, suggests it was intended as a manual of instruction for Gentile converts to Christianity. Scholars date its composition between 50 and 120 AD, but the consensus places it around 90 AD, during a time of transition from oral traditions to written texts in the early Church.
Written in Koine Greek, the language of the early Christian movement, the Didache consists of sixteen chapters. These chapters cover a wide range of topics including moral teachings, liturgical practices, and church organization. It provides instructions on baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist, offering a window into the ritual life of early Christian communities.
The Didache‘s authorship remains anonymous, but its teachings are heavily rooted in the oral traditions passed down by the apostles. Given its emphasis on practical instruction and moral behavior, the Didache was likely produced in a community context where there was a need for formalized guidance for new converts. It was intended to serve as a concise, accessible manual for catechumens, or those preparing for baptism.
Content and Structure of the Didache
The Didache can be divided into four main sections:
- The Two Ways: The first section, known as “The Two Ways,” is a moral teaching that contrasts the way of life and the way of death. The way of life is characterized by love of God and neighbor, while the way of death is defined by sinful behaviors. This ethical teaching closely parallels Jewish moral instruction and likely reflects the influence of early Judeo-Christian traditions.
- Rituals and Sacraments: The second section deals with Christian rituals, including instructions on baptism, fasting, and prayer. Baptism, for example, is described as taking place in “living water” (i.e., running water), though exceptions are made for situations where this is not possible. The Lord’s Prayer is also included, with a recommendation to pray it three times a day.
- The Eucharist: The third section provides a liturgical guide for the celebration of the Eucharist, offering specific prayers of thanksgiving and blessings over the bread and the cup. This section reveals the early development of Christian liturgy, showing how the breaking of bread was central to communal worship.
- Church Organization and Leadership: The final section addresses church leadership and organization. It outlines the roles of bishops and deacons, urging the community to respect and support them. It also gives instructions on how to discern false prophets from true ones, reflecting concerns about maintaining doctrinal purity in the growing Christian movement.
The Usage of the Didache in the Early Church
The Didache functioned as a practical manual for early Christian communities, particularly before the canonization of the New Testament. During the first few centuries of Christianity, there was no single, universally accepted set of Christian scriptures. Instead, early Christian writings, including the Didache, circulated widely and were used as instructional tools to guide new believers in Christian doctrine and practice.
The document’s emphasis on moral teaching, liturgical practices, and communal organization made it highly useful in training new converts. Its straightforward language and clear instructions allowed it to be understood by those unfamiliar with Christian teachings. The Didache was particularly important for Gentile converts who did not have a background in Jewish law or customs.
In addition to its use in local communities, the Didache was also referenced by several Church Fathers in the late second and early third centuries. Writers such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Eusebius made mention of it, recognizing its authority and influence. While it was not included in the final canon of Scripture, the fact that it was considered for inclusion in some early Christian lists (such as the Apostolic Constitutions) highlights its significance.
Influence on Early Christian Thought and Liturgy
The Didache helped shape early Christian worship practices, especially in regard to the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist. Its guidelines for how these rites should be performed became foundational for later Christian liturgical development. For example, the prayers included in the Didache bear a resemblance to the prayers used in the early Roman liturgy, showing its enduring influence on Christian worship.
Moreover, the Didache‘s teachings on church leadership laid the groundwork for the hierarchical structure that would later be solidified in the Christian Church. The distinction between bishops, deacons, and prophets mentioned in the document reflects the early formation of ecclesiastical authority, which became crucial as the Church expanded and needed formal leadership to maintain doctrinal unity.
The Council of Rome and the Canonization of Scripture
By the time of the Council of Rome in 382 AD, when the New Testament canon was formalized, the Didache had already been in circulation for nearly three centuries. However, as the Church moved toward defining a standardized set of Christian scriptures, it chose to exclude the Didache from the canon. This decision was likely influenced by the fact that the Didache was more of a manual of instruction than a theological or doctrinal text.
Nevertheless, the legacy of the Didache endured. Even though it did not become part of the Bible, its teachings continued to inform Christian practice and thought, especially in the areas of moral instruction, liturgy, and church governance. It remains an invaluable resource for understanding the early Christian community and how it developed in the post-apostolic period.
Conclusion
The Didache holds a unique place in early Christian history as one of the first manuals of the New Testament Church. Written around 90 AD, it provided essential guidance on moral conduct, liturgical practices, and church organization. Its influence on early Christian thought and practice, as well as its role in shaping the development of Christian liturgy, was profound. Though it was not included in the canon of Scripture finalized at the Council of Rome in 382 AD, the Didache remains a vital document for understanding the transition from the apostolic age to the organized Church.