The Didache: The Teachings of the 12 Apostles

Over the next several weeks I want to spend some time talking about the Didache. What is the Didache you ask, well let me give you some background.

The Didache is considered to be the oldest surviving extant piece of non-canonical literature. It is really a handbook for new Christian converts, consisting of instructions derived directly from the teachings of Jesus. The book can be divided into three sections. The first six chapters consist of Christian lessons; the next four give descriptions of the Christian ceremonies, including baptism, fasting and communion; and the last six outline the church organization.

The Didache claims to have been authored by the twelve apostles. While this cannot be positively proven, the work is most likely a direct result of the first Apostolic Council circa 50 AD (Acts 15:28). Similarities to the Apostolic Decree are apparent, and the given structure of the church is quite primitive. Also, the description of the Eucharist (bread and wine) carefully avoids mention of the "body and blood of Christ," which in the early church was regarded as one of the secret mysteries of early Christianity. Most scholars agree that the work, in its earliest form, may have circulated as early as the 60's AD, though additions and modifications may have taken place well into the third century. The work was never officially rejected by the Church, but was excluded from the canon for its lack of literary value.

The complete text of the Didache was discovered in the Codex Hierosolymitanus, though a number of fragments exist, most notably in the Oxyrhynchus Papyri. It was originally composed in Greek, probably within a small community.

What I find fascinating about the Didache is that while it is not divinely inspired scripture, it does give us today a glimpse into how the early church functioned and how the Apostles taught. It is so interesting to see how the church started to develop early on in the first century.

My comments on the sections will follow over the next few weeks. The Didache is a very short manual, and if you'd like to read it for yourself here is a link:

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html

A Summer of Change

I cannot believe what a whirlwind summer this has been, no wonder I haven't posted anything since April. In the last several months so much has happened:

- I finally completed my Master's in Theological Studies after 3 1/2 years
- The kids wrapped up successful baseball, softball, and Cub Scout seasons
- I have criss crossed the country from east to west several times with work
- The school levy finally passed after 12 months of volunteering and 4 failed attempts to pass
- And most exciting of all, the Lord has led me to a new opportunity to serve him at Community Bible Church in Rootstown.

Through all the work and sacrifices, the Lord has been so good. My wife and family have been a huge support and blessing, and I cannot wait to continue advancing the Kingdom through the youth ministry at CBC.

I haven't blogged in a while, but I feel the Spirit stirring within me to start it up again. We're moving forward with the Lord's lead. As Jesus said in Luke 9:62, "Jesus answered him, "No one who has put his hand to the plough, and then looks behind him, is fit for the Kingdom of God."

I've got my hand on the plow. Lead on Lord!!

Happy to be back blogging!