The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations.
Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment. There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.
Comments and thoughts:
1. This teaching is totally grounded in scripture. There are many references to Jesus’ teachings. Here are some of the ones that I noted in my cursory observation:
a. Genesis 1
b. John 14:6
c. Deuteronomy 5
d. Mark 12:28-31
e. Matthew 5-7
f. Matthew 6:3-4
2. So starts the Didache, and quickly something very interesting jumps out to me. This was written as a manual or a guide with teachings to be followed by those who believe in Jesus Christ, and the manner of practice for the early church. This introductory chapter then is simple and to the point. There are two ways: one of life (which is found in Christ Jesus) and one of death (which is found in a life apart from Christ Jesus and expounded on later in the Didache). This is what is wonderful about the Christology of the early church: Their belief was simple, either you believe and follow the way of life which is Jesus Christ, or you follow the way of death- which is everything and anything else apart from Jesus Christ.
That said, once you accept the Way of Life then comes the cathetical instruction that leads a believer in this “Way”:
a. The Shema is used and taught as reinforcement (Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength) is used
b. Teaching from the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5-7) on love, alms, forgiveness, anxiety, etc. is reinforced as well
We can clearly see what position the early church took with regards to Jesus Christ and the Way: A simple and direct approach that clearly delineates the way of life as opposed to the way of death.
From current worldview perspective I would imagine this message would come as a shock to many people. We live in an increasingly syncretistic, post Christian culture. Secularism and pluralism make absolute statements, such as “There are two ways, one of life and one of death…”, difficult to believe for many modern believers. As the church however, we cannot run from this basic core belief; that is that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that NO ONE can go to the Father without Him (John 14:6). We need to embrace this basic truth with the full love that the Father had when he provided Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for us. We need to be bold and unashamed of the Gospel message as Paul was not ashamed in Rom 1:16. We need to take the “power of Salvation” and declare it clearly and boldly to a needy world. This was a clear and simple truth for the Church 2,000 years ago and it is no less clear today for those who believe. It is with concerted urgency that we should proclaim the Way of Life to those in our families and communities through both our words and deeds.
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