The Didache - What do you know about it?

I have noticed several posts referencing an early document called The Didache. I thought it would be a worthy topic of discussion and hope to find some "experts" out there! I must admit that I have had a copy on my shelf for several years, but have done little more than thumb through it, not giving it a lot of credence. Here are some translations available on the internet:

Translated by J. B. Lightfoot
Translated by Charles H. Hoole
Unknown Translation with comments by Ben H. Swett

What is your take on the antiquity and reliablity of this document? What of its history? etc. etc. The copy I own was translated by J. Louis Guthrie in 1938. He says "the manuscript that came into my hands is a copy of that found in Constantinople by Philotheus Bryennios of the Greek Catholic Church , AD 1875. This copy of the manuscript is that of 'Leon the sinner,' a notary who transcribed the manuscript found by Bryennios. Leon declares that he finished copying the manuscript in June, 1056 AD." Guthrie believes in the authenicity of the original document, but believes the Greek gives evidence that certain passages are later additions. For example, he says that the instructions on pouring and fasting before one is immersed (chapter 7) are poorly written and does not match the rest of the document.

 

I have read it, but it has been a while. What I do remember stands up with the quote you provided. It does give a relatively early description of many practices. What do you think about the section on traveling prophets--if they stay for so many days that means they are false?
Also, the liturgical section gives a significant description of baptism.

rlvaughn, you are going to cause me to read it again. I do think it is worth reading (of course, I love historical theology).

Grace and Peace, Danny

 

rsr, I think Guthrie's opinion was that the original work was of a very early date, possibly even AD 50. Concerning his comments on baptism - the Didache on pouring and fasting would be out of line with N. T. records and would in that way also lend itself towards that being an addition. I noticed also that Guthrie bracketed that the word he translated Lord's supper was "eucharista."

 

Bro. Robert

I can't find my copy of the Didache, so I am going from memory which may be faulty.

IIRC, I would agree that the document was of great antiquity, however, the known fragments were not in complete harmony, and may have been "tampered" with. Which I would take to be about the same idea as you were trying to convey above.

As for the issue of immersion/pouring/sprinkling, I don't specifically remember what I read in which document. I have read things of great antiquity (don't remember which came from where) that more or less advocated doing what ever seemed expedent. I think we have to accept the fact, no matter how much error we take it to be, that practice of non-immersion is nearly as old as immersion.

Jeff

 

With reference to baptism in the Didache, do you think the differences between dunking and pouring are similar to running water, cool water,... Should we also be baptizing in ice covered streams rather than in warm baptistries? :eek:

Grace and Peace, Danny

[ January 30, 2003, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: Daniel Dunivan ]

 

You brethren will have to excuse me and call me ignorant but what actually is this document in question?... I have never heard of it and I'm not posting this for argument but for understanding. Is there importance in reading this document and does it align itself with scripture? If it is not inspired what creedence should be given it?... These are just a few of my questions among many help a brother understand what is the Didache?... Everyone seems to know about except me... How do you pronounce the word and what does it mean?... Should I run out a buy a copy if I can find one?... Brother Glen :confused:

 

Here is the definition and pronunciation from CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS & RESEARCH MINISTRY:

Glen, as far as the document itself, any one of the first three links will take you to it. I think the antiquity of the document makes it interesting and worth reading. You asked, "does it align itself with scripture?" IMO, at times it does and at times it does not, and seems somewhat of a curious hodgepodge. Of course, the fact that it was or may have been added to through the years would certainly account for that. But, ultimately, since it is not inspired scripture, it does not carry any authority, no matter when it was written or by whom. I would recommend that you access it on the internet at first, read it, and then decide it you want a copy. I have an address where a paperback copy can be obtained.

 

To simply read scripture seriously limits our perspectives on what that scripture meant and thus means. If we don't listen to both the culture of the bible and the ways that the church has interpreted it, then we will likely get very short sided and shallow glosses on scripture. The tradition of the church is our tradition, and through it we come to better understand our time, situation, and most importantly, our God.

Grace and Peace, Danny

 

The Didache's take on baptism was that immersion was what the Apostles (not to mention Jesus) prescribed as the proper method.
Pouring was treated with a "well, if you absolutely HAVE to..." attitude.
Here's the quote...
"But concerning baptism, thus shall ye baptize. Having first recited all these things (NB: evidentially some sort of doctrinal confession), baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in living (IOW, running) water. But if thou hast not living water, then baptize in other water; and if thou art not able in cold, then in warm. But if thou hast neither, then pour water on the head thrice in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

 

Here is a page of links and quotes from scholars about Didache. I have quoted one of them below.

 

Thanks for the site.

 

Just stumbled across this while looking up the Didache. I have lost my copy that was from Guthrie's work. Have you any idea how I could find one? I'm coming up dry so far searching online.