Have you ever wondered how early Christians were instructed in their faith? While many are familiar with the teachings of the Bible, few know about a remarkable document known as The Didache, or "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles." This ancient manuscript, believed to have been written in the first century AD, provides valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and moral teachings of the early Christian community.

A Lost Treasure Rediscovered

The Didache is a captivating text that resurfaced after being lost for centuries. Discovered in 1873 by Greek Metropolitan Philotheos Bryennios in the Monastery of the Holy Sepulchre in Constantinople, its existence sheds light on the early days of Christianity and the spiritual guidance provided to new believers.

Written in Koine Greek, the Didache offers a unique glimpse into the early Christian community's understanding of the apostolic teachings and their practical applications. Its lessons cover a wide range of topics, including baptism, fasting, prayer, ethical behavior, and church order.

The Didache: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

by R. Joseph Owles(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Teachings of Spiritual and Moral Significance

The Didache begins with a thorough exposition of the Two Ways - the path of life and the path of death. This dualistic approach distinguishes between behaviors that lead to salvation and those that lead to destruction. It urges believers to choose the path of life, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, love, and purity of heart.

Baptism, a central sacrament in Christianity, is also addressed in the Didache. It provides instructions on how to perform baptism and clarifies the conditions required for both the baptizer and the person being baptized. The text emphasizes the significance of baptism as a means of spiritual rebirth and the forgiveness of sins.

Fasting and prayer are two essential practices that are extensively discussed in the Didache. The document offers detailed guidelines on when to fast and how to pray, emphasizing sincerity and humility. It encourages believers to cultivate a devout life centered around consistent prayer and abstaining from excessive indulgence.

Church Order and Leadership

The Didache demonstrates an early form of church organization and addresses the roles and responsibilities of various church leaders. It outlines the criteria for appointing bishops and deacons and emphasizes the importance of genuine moral character and sincere devotion. The text also provides insights into the ancient liturgical practices and the Eucharist, highlighting the significance of communal worship and the breaking of bread.

The Didache's Influence and Legacy

Although not included in the biblical canon, the Didache played an instrumental role in shaping early Christian communities, serving as a guidebook for believers and an information source for later church leadership. Some scholars suggest that certain passages in the New Testament may have been influenced by the teachings present in the Didache.

Despite its significant impact, the Didache disappeared from historical records, and its existence was largely forgotten until its remarkable rediscovery in the 19th century. Since then, it has fascinated theologians and scholars, providing valuable insights into the formation of early Christian doctrine and practice.

The Significance of Studying the Didache

Studying the Didache allows us to delve deeper into the early roots of Christianity, understanding the challenges faced by the early Christian community and how they navigated through them. By exploring its teachings, we gain a profound understanding of the evolution of Christian moral and liturgical practices.

The Didache encourages believers to live a life of righteousness, love, and humility. Its wisdom remains relevant even today, helping us reflect on our spiritual journeys and encouraging us to embrace a life centered around faith, love, and devotion.

The Didache, a long-lost treasure of Christian literature, offers profound insights into the teachings and practices of the early Church. Its text, hidden for centuries, provides a window into the spiritual guidance given to early believers as they navigated the challenges of their faith. By studying the Didache, we gain a deeper understanding of the foundations and development of early Christian doctrine, reaffirming the timeless wisdom it offers for believers today.

The Didache: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

by R. Joseph Owles(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	39 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

There are two ways: one of life and one of death – and there is a big difference between the two.
~ The Didache

Have you ever wondered how Christianity was really practiced in the First Century?

Have you ever wondered:

• How Christians should behave

• What Christians believe

• What is the correct way to baptize

• How to Celebrate the Lord's Supper

• How Christians are to worship together

• The signs of the Return of Jesus Christ

Have you been searching for a simple manual on how to be Christian?

The Didache means “The Teaching” – Christian tradition has claimed that “The Teaching” is nothing less than the teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the early-Church. The Didache was considered by many in the early-Church as part of the New Testament. It fell out of the New Testament as time passed, but continued to serve as a Christian manual.

The Didache was lost for centuries until 1873 when a Greek manuscript was rediscovered. The Didache serves as an important historical document in the early-Church, as well as providing solutions to practical Church questions such as does a person have to be dunked during baptism, or can water simply be poured over the head? The answer may surprise you.

This copy has been translated by R. Joseph Owles from the Greek into every day, contemporary language, and is formatted in a way that makes it easy to both read and understand.

If you are interested in the history of the early Church, or if you are just looking for a simple guide to Christian teaching, then this book is for you.

Get your copy now