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The teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles
<title>
THE TEACHING OF THE LORD TO THE GENTILES BY THE TWELVE APOSTLES
(also known as DIDACHE)
</title>
Translated by J.B. Lightfoot.
Adapt. and mod. © 1990. ATHENA DATA PRODUCTS
Didache 1:1
There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a
great difference between the two ways.
Didache 1:2
<i>The way of life</i> is this. First of all, <i>thou shalt love the God</i>
that made thee; secondly, <i>Thy neighbor as thyself. And all things
whatsoever thou wouldst not have befall thyself, neither do thou
unto another.</i>
Didache 1:3
Now of these words the doctrine is this. <i>Bless them that curse you,
and pray for</i> your enemies and fast for <i>them that persecute you;
for what thank is it, if ye love them that love you? Do not even the
Gentiles the same? But do ye love them that hate you that hate you,</i>
and ye shall not have an enemy.
Didache 1:4
Abstain thou from fleshly and bodily lusts. <i>If any man give thee a
blow on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also,</i> and thou
shalt be perfect; <i>If a man impress thee to go with him one mile, go
with him twain; if a man take away thy cloak, give him thy coat
also; if a man take away from thee that which is thy own, ask it
not back,</i> for neither art thou able.
Didache 1:5
<i>To every man that asketh of thee give, and ask not back</i> for the
Father desireth that gifts be given to all from His own bounties.
Blessed is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is
guiltless. Woe to him that receiveth; for, if a man receiveth having
need, he is guiltless; but he that hath no need shall give
satisfaction why and wherefore he received and being put in
confinement he shall be examined concerning the deeds that he hath
done, and <i>he shall not come out thence until he hath given back the
last farthing.</i>
Didache 1:6
Yea, as touching this also it is said; <i>Let thine alms sweat into
thine hands, until thou have learnt to whom to give</i>.
Didache 2:1
And this is the second commandment of the teaching.
Didache 2:2
<i>Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery,</i> thou
shalt not corrupt boys, thou shalt not commit fornication, <i>thou
shalt not steal</i>, thou shalt not deal in magic, thou shalt do no
sorcery, thou shalt not murder a child by abortion nor kill them when
born, <i>thou shalt not covet thy neighbors goods,
Didache 2:3
<i>thou shalt not perjure thyself, thou shalt not bear false witness,</i>
thou shalt not speak evil, thou shalt not cherish a grudge,
Didache 2:4
thou shalt not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for the double
tongue is a snare of death.
Didache 2:5
Thy word shall not be false or empty, but fulfilled by action.
Didache 2:6
Thou shalt not be avaricious nor a plunderer nor a hypocrite nor
ill-tempered nor proud. Thou shalt not entertain an evil design
against thy neighbor.
Didache 2:7
<i>Thou shalt not hate</i> any man <i>but some thou shalt reprove</i>, and
for others thou shalt pray, <i>and others thou shalt love</i> more than
thy life.
Didache 3:1
My child, flee from every evil and everything that resembleth it.
Didache 3:2
Be not angry, for anger leadeth to murder, nor jealous nor
contentious nor wrathful; for of all these things murders are
engendered.
Didache 3:3
My child, be not lustful, for lust leadeth to fornication, neither
foul-speaking neither with uplifted eyes; for of all these things
adulteries are engendered.
Didache 3:4
My child, <i>be no dealer in omens</i>, since it leads to idolatry, nor
an enchanter nor an astrologer nor a magician, neither be willing to
look at them; for from all these things idolatry is engendered.
Didache 3:5
My child, be not a liar, since lying leads to theft, neither
avaricious neither vainglorious; for from all these things thefts are
engendered.
Didache 3:6
My child, be not a murmurer, since it leadeth to blasphemy, neither
self-willed neither a thinker of evil thoughts; for from all these
things blasphemies are engendered.
Didache 3:7
But be meek, since <i>the meek shall inherit the earth.</i>
Didache 3:8
Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and <i>quiet</i> and kindly
<i>and</i> always <i>fearing the words</i> which thou hast heard.
Didache 3:9
Thou shalt not exalt thyself, neither shalt thou admit boldness into
thy soul. Thy soul shall not cleave together with the lofty, but
with the righteous and humble shalt thou walk.
Didache 3:10
The accidents that befall thee thou shalt receive as good, knowing
that nothing is done without God.
Didache 4:1
My child, <i>thou shalt remember him that speaketh unto thee the word
<i>of God</i> night and day, and shalt honor him as the Lord; for
whencesoever the Lordship speaketh, there is the Lord.
Didache 4:2
Moreover thou shalt seek out day by day the persons of the saints,
that thou mayest find rest in their words.
Didache 4:3
Thou shalt not make a schism, but thou shalt pacify them that
contend; thou shalt judge righteously, thou shalt not make a
difference in a person to reprove him for transgressions.
Didache 4:4
Thou shalt not doubt whether a thing shall be or not be.
Didache 4:5
<i>Be not thou found holding out thy hands to receive, but drawing
them in as to giving</i>.
Didache 4:6
If thou hast ought passing through thy hands, thou shalt give a
ransom for thy sins.
Didache 4:7
Thou shalt not hesitate to give, neither shalt thou murmur when
giving; for thou shalt know who is the good paymaster of thy reward.
Didache 4:8
Thou shalt not turn away from him that is in want, but shalt make thy
brother partaker in all things, and shalt not say <i>that anything is
thy own</i>. For if ye are fellow-partakers in that which is
imperishable, how much rather in the things which are perishable?
Didache 4:9
Thou shalt not withhold thy hand from thy son or from thy daughter,
but from their youth thou shalt teach them the fear of God.
Didache 4:10
Thou shalt not command thy bondservant or thine handmaid in thy
bitterness who trust in the same God as thyself, lest haply they
should cease to fear the God who is over both of you; for He cometh,
not to call men with respect of persons, but He cometh to those whom
the Spirit hath prepared.
Didache 4:11
But ye, servants, shall be subject unto your masters, as to a type of
God, in shame and fear.
Didache 4:12
Thou shalt hate all hypocrisy, and everything that is not pleasing to
the Lord.
Didache 4:13
Thou shalt never forsake the commandments of the Lord but shalt keep
those things which thou hast received, neither adding to them nor
taking away from them.
Didache 4:14
In church thou shalt confess thy transgressions, and shalt not betake
thyself to prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
Didache 5:1
But the way of death is this. First of all, it is evil and full of
a curse; murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts,
idolatries, magical arts, witchcrafts, plunderings, false
witnessings, hypocrisies, doubleness of heart, treachery, pride,
malice, stubbornness, covetousness, foul--speaking, jealousy,
boldness, exaltation, boastfulness;
Didache 5:2
persecutors of good men, hating truth, loving a lie, not perceiving
the reward of righteousness, not <i>cleaving to the good</i> nor to
righteous judgment, wakeful not for that which is good but for that
which is evil-from whom gentleness and forbearance stand aloof;
loving vain things, pursuing a recompense, not pitying the poor man,
not toiling for him that is oppressed with toil, not recognizing Him
that made them, murderers of children, corrupters of the creatures of
God, turning away from him that is in want, oppressing him that is
afflicted, advocates of the wealthy, unjust judges of the poor,
altogether sinful. May ye be delivered, my children, from all these
things.
Didache 6:1
See lest any man lead you astray from this way of righteousness, for
he teacheth thee apart from God.
Didache 6:2
For if thou art able to bear the whole yoke of the Lord, thou shalt
be perfect; but if thou art not able, do that which thou art able.
Didache 6:3
But concerning eating, bear that which thou art able; yet abstain by
all means from meat sacrificed to idols; for it is the worship of
dead gods.
Didache 7:1
But concerning baptism, thus shall ye baptize. Having first recited
all these things, baptize <i>in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit</i> in living (running) water.
Didache 7:2
But if thou hast not living water, then baptize in other water; and
if thou art not able in cold, then in warm.
Didache 7:3
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.
Didache 7:4
But before the baptism let him that baptizeth and him that is
baptized fast, and any others also who are able; and thou shalt order
him that is baptized to fast a day or two before.
Didache 8:1
And let not your fastings be with the hypocrites, for they fast on
the second and the fifth day of the week; but do ye keep your fast on
the fourth and on the preparation (the sixth) day.
Didache 8:2
Neither pray ye <i>as the hypocrites</i>, but as the Lord commanded in
His Gospel, <i>thus pray ye:
<i>Our Father, which art in heaven,
<i>hallowed be Thy name;
<i>Thy kingdom come;
<i>Thy will be done,
<i>as in heaven, so also on earth;
<i>give us this day our daily bread;
<i>and forgive us our debt,
<i>as we forgive our debtors;
<i>and lead us not into temptation,
<i>but deliver us from the evil one;</i>
for Thine is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
Didache 8:3
Three times in the day pray ye so.
Didache 9:1
But as touching the eucharistic thanksgiving give ye thanks thus.
Didache 9:2
First, as regards the cup:
We give Thee thanks, O our Father,
for the holy vine of Thy son David,
which Thou madest known unto us
through Thy Son Jesus;
Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
Didache 9:3
Then as regarding the broken bread:
We give Thee thanks, O our Father,
for the life and knowledge
which Thou didst make known unto us
through Thy Son Jesus;
Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
Didache 9:4
As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains
and being gathered together became one,
so may Thy Church be gathered together
from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom;
for Thine is the glory and the power
through Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
Didache 9:5
But let no one eat or drink of this eucharistic thanksgiving, but
they that have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for
concerning this also the Lord hath said: <i>Give not that which is
holy to the dogs.</i>
Didache 10:1
And after ye are satisfied thus give ye thanks:
Didache 10:2
We give Thee thanks, Holy Father,
for Thy holy name,
which Thou hast made to tabernacle in our hearts,
and for the knowledge and faith and immortality,
which Thou hast made known unto us
through Thy Son Jesus;
Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
Didache 10:3
Thou, Almighty Master,
didst create all things for Thy name's sake,
and didst give food and drink unto men for enjoyment,
that they might render thanks to Thee;
but didst bestow upon us spiritual food and drink and eternal life
through Thy Son.
Didache 10:4
Before all things we give Thee thanks
that Thou art powerful;
Thine is the glory for ever and ever.
Didache 10:5
Remember, Lord, Thy Church
to deliver it from all evil
and to perfect it in Thy love;
and <i>gather it together from the four winds</i>--
even the Church which has been sanctified--
into Thy kingdom which Thou hast prepared for it;
for Thine is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
Didache 10:6
May grace come and may this world pass away.
Hosanna to the God of David.
If any man is holy, let him come;
if any man is not, let him repent.
Maran Atha. Amen.
Didache 10:7
But permit the prophets to offer thanksgiving as much as they
desire.
Didache 11:1
Whosoever therefore shall come and teach you all these things that
have been said before, receive him;
Didache 11:2
but if the teacher himself be perverted and teach a different
doctrine to the destruction thereof, hear him not; but if to the
increase of righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him
as the Lord.
Didache 11:3
But concerning the apostles and prophets, so do ye according to the
ordinance of the Gospel.
Didache 11:4
Let every apostle, when he cometh to you, be received as the Lord;
Didache 11:5
but he shall not abide more than a single day, or if there be need, a
second likewise; but if he abide three days, he is a false prophet.
Didache 11:6
And when he departeth let the apostle receive nothing save bread,
until he findeth shelter; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet.
Didache 11:7
And any prophet speaking in the Spirit ye shall not try neither
discern; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be
forgiven.
Didache 11:8
Yet not every one that speaketh in the Spirit is a prophet, but only
if he have the ways of the Lord. From his ways therefore the false
prophet and the prophet shall be recognized.
Didache 11:9
And no prophet when he ordereth a table in the Spirit shall eat of
it; otherwise he is a false prophet.
Didache 11:10
And every prophet teaching the truth, if he doeth not what he
teacheth, is a false prophet.
Didache 11:11
And every prophet approved and found true, if he doeth ought as an
outward mystery typical of the Church, and yet teacheth you not to do
all that he himself doeth, shall not be judged before you; he hath
his judgment in the presence of God; for in like manner also did the
prophets of old time.
Didache 11:12
And whosoever shall say in the Spirit, Give me silver or anything
else, ye shall not listen to him; but if he tell you to give on
behalf of others that are in want, let no man judge him.
Didache 12:1
But let every one <i>that cometh in the name of the Lord</i> be
received; and then when ye have tested him ye shall know him, for ye
shall have understanding on the right hand and on the left.
Didache 12:2
If the comer is a traveler, assist him, so far as ye are able; but
he shall not stay with you more than two or three days, if it be
necessary.
Didache 12:3
But if he wishes to settle with you, being a craftsman, let him work
for and eat his bread.
Didache 12:4
But if he has no craft, according to your wisdom provide how he shall
live as a Christian among you, but not in idleness.
Didache 12:5
If he will not do this, he is trafficking upon Christ. Beware of
such men.
Didache 13:1
But every time prophet desiring to settle among you is <i>worthy of
his food</i>.
Didache 13:2
In like manner a true teacher <i>is</i> also <i>worthy</i>, like <i>the
workman, of his food</i>.
Didache 13:3
Every firstfruit then of the produce of the wine-vat and of the
threshing-floor, of thy oxen and of thy sheep, thou shalt take and
give as the firstfruit to the prophets; for they are your
chief-priests.
Didache 13:4
But if ye have not a prophet, give them to the poor.
Didache 13:5
If thou makest bread, take the firstfruit and give according to the
commandment.
Didache 13:6
In like manner, when thou openest a jar of wine or of oil, take the
firstfruit and give to the prophets;
Didache 13:7
yea and of money and raiment and every possession take the
firstfruit, as shall seem good to thee, and give according to the
commandment.
Didache 14:1
And on the Lord's own day gather yourselves together and break bread
and give thanks, first confessing your transgressions, that your
sacrifice may be pure.
Didache 14:2
And let no man, having his dispute with his fellow, join your
assembly until they have been reconciled, that your sacrifice may not
be defiled;
Didache 14:3
for this sacrifice it is that was spoken of by the Lord; <i>In every
place and at every time offer me a pure sacrifice; for I ama a
great king, saith the Lord, and My name is wonderful among the
nations.</i>
Didache 15:1
Appoint for yourselves therefore bishops and deacons worthy of the
Lord, men who are meek and not lovers of money, and true and
approved; for unto you they also perform the service of the prophets
and teachers.
Didache 15:2
Therefore despise them not; for they are your honorable men along
with the prophets and teachers.
Didache 15:3
And reprove one another, not in anger but in peace, as ye find in
the Gospel; and let no one speak to any that has gone wrong towards
his neighbor, neither let him hear a word from you, until he repent.
Didache 15:4
But your prayers and your almsgiving and all your deeds so do ye as
ye find it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Didache 16:1
<i>Be watchful</i> for your life; <i>let your lamps not be quenched and
your loins not ungirdled, but be ye ready; for ye know not the hour
the hour in which our Lord cometh.</i>
Didache 16:2
And ye shall gather yourselves together frequently, seeking what is
fitting for your souls; for the whole time of your faith shall not
profit you, if ye be not perfected at the last season.
Didache 16:3
For in the last days <i>the false prophets</i> and corrupters shall be
multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall
be turned into hate.
Didache 16:4
For as lawlessness increaseth, <i>they shall hate one another and
shall persecute and betray. And then</i> the world-deceiver <i>shall
appear</i> as a son of God; <i>and shall work signs and wonders</i>, and the
earth shall be delivered into his hands; and he shall do unholy
things, which have never been since the world began.
Didache 16:5
Then all created mankind shall come to the fire of testing, and many
shall be offended and perish; <i>but they that endure</i> in their faith
shall be saved</i> by the Curse Himself.
Didache 16:6
<i>And then shall the signs</i> of the truth <i>appear;</i> first a sign of a
rift in the heaven, then a sign of a voice of a trumpet, and thirdly
a resurrection of the dead;
Didache 16:7
yet not of all, but as it was said <i>The Lord shall come and all His
saints with Him.</i>
Didache 16:8
<i>Then shall</i> the world <i>see the Lord coming upon the clouds of
heaven.</i>
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