Didache: Essential Insights for Powerful Understanding

Chapter 1

1 There are Two Ways, one of Life and one of Death; but great is the difference between the two Ways.

2 Now this is the Way of Life. First, thou shalt love God who created thee; second, thy neighbor as thyself; and all things whatsoever thou wouldst not have happen unto thee, thou shalt not do unto another.

3 And of these commandments the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you; for what thank have ye, if ye love them that love you? Do not even the Gentiles the same? But love ye them that hate you, and ye shall not have an enemy.

4 Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If any man strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also; and thou shalt be perfect; if a man compel thee to go one mile, go with him twain.

Chapter 2

1 Thou shalt not be angry, for anger leadeth to murder.

2 Thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not defile thyself; thou shalt not commit fornication; thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not practice magic; thou shalt not practice sorcery; thou shalt not kill a child by abortion, nor kill that which is begotten.

3 Thou shalt not covet; thou shalt not bear false witness; thou shalt not speak evil; thou shalt not be greedy; nor allow thyself to be drunken; nor boast; nor remain in divorce.

Chapter 3

1 My child, flee from every evil thing and from every worldly circumstance.

2 Be not a lover of money, nor vain; be not a receiver of gifts, nor vain-glorious.

3 Abound in virtues, but do not be hypocrites in the community.

Chapter 4

1 In the community, be zealous in good works.

2 Be diligent to hasten to every good deed; be not respectful of persons; stand firm in faith.

Chapter 5

1 Be always humble, and fear thy God; make no distinctions among persons; teach not thy child words of pride.

2 Do not pray when you are gathered together until you are all under one roof.

Chapter 6

1 This is the teaching of the Church concerning baptism and fasting.

2 After thy baptism, you shall fast for two or three days in advance of doing so.

Chapter 7

1 Concerning baptism, thus shall ye baptize. Having first recited all these things, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in running water.

2 But if thou hast not running water, then baptize in some other water; and if thou art not able in cold, then in warm.

Chapter 8

1 And concerning fasting, let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth days of the week.

2 But do ye fast on the fourth day and the preparation.

Chapter 9

1 Now concerning the Eucharist, thus give thanks. First, concerning the cup.

2 We give Thee thanks, our Father, for the holy vine of David, Thy servant, which Thou hast made known to us through Jesus, Thy Servant; to Thee be glory forever.

Chapter 10

1 And concerning the broken bread: We give Thee thanks, our Father, for the life and knowledge, which Thou hast made known to us through Jesus, Thy Servant; to Thee be glory forever.

2 As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains, and was gathered together and became one, so may Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy Kingdom.

Chapter 11

1 But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, but those who have been baptized in the name of the Lord.

Chapter 12

1 But for every true prophet who wishes to dwell among you, you shall not receive him, but if he wishes to depart from you, let him depart.

Chapter 13

1 Every apostle who comes to you shall be welcomed as the Lord.

2 And if he dwell among you for three days and wishes to go, let him go, but let him not leave behind the brethren who are in need.

Chapter 14

1 And concerning the Lord’s Day, gather together to break bread and give thanks after confessing your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure.

Chapter 15

1 Choose for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men of meekness and not covetous.

Chapter 16

1 Watch for your life; the adversary has power to destroy us as a lion.

2 Keep the faith; call upon the Lord in faith and hope.