E Bruce Brooks

Early Christianity and the Didache

SBL/NE, 27 April 2012 HANDOUT 1. The Hymn in Philippians 2:6-11 (ASV rev, following Lohmeyers format as in Hunter Paul 40f)
[6] Who, existing in the form of God, Counted not being on an equality with God as a thing to be held onto, But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death. 1

[7]

[8]

[9]

Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name [10] That at the name of Jesus Every knee should bow, Of Heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] And that every tongue should confess That Jesus Christ is Lord, To the glory of God the Father. As Fitzmyer Ascension 267 points out, the hymn in 1Tim 3:16 is theologically identical. 1Tim is itself post-Pauline, but evidently written at a time when Alpha hymnology was still standard in many churches.

2. Didache 7:1b and 3b in Context (Varner); probable interpolations indented. [7:1a] And concerning baptism, baptize in this way: After you have said all these things before hand, immerse [1b] in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit in flowing water. [2] But if you do not have flowing water, immerse in other water, and if you are not able to do so in cold, [immerse] in warm [water], [3a] And if you should not have either, pour out water onto the head [3b] three times, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit [4] And prior to the baptism, let the baptizing one fast . . . 3. Didache 9:5 in Context (Varner); probable interpolation indented
[9:5a] And let no one eat or drink from your thanksgiving meal except those baptized in the name of the Lord, [5b] For also the Lord has said concerning this: Do not give what is holy to the dogs. [10:1] And after being filled, give thanks in this way . . .

Mt 28:19

[same]

Mt 7:6

I follow Lohmeyer in excluding, as a Pauline parenthesis, Php 2:8b, yea, the death of the cross.

E Bruce Brooks: Early Christianity and the Didache. SBL/NE 27 Apr 2012 4. Maranatha Occurrences (Aramaic and Greek): Did 10:6. A Eucharist prayer: [a] May grace come and may this world pass away! [b] Hosanna to the God of David! [c] If anyone is holy, let him come, [d] If anyone is not, let him repent. [e] Come, Lord [maranatha]! Amen 1Cor 16:22-23 [end of the Epistle]: [22] If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha. [23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. [24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. Rev 22:20-21 [end of the text]: [20] He who testifieth these things saith, Yea, I come quickly. Amen: Come, Lord Jesus. [21] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with the saints. Amen.

Handout Page 2

Note: Maranatha, Grace, and Amen are associated in these ending formulas. Maranatha is a prayer for the Coming of the Lord Jesus at the Last Days; Amen asks that it may indeed be so. Grace is the forgiveness of God, preached already by John, which releases believers from sin in preparation for the Last Days. Maranatha in 1Cor 16:22 is hostile; having just condemned the primitive Christians of Corinth (anathema), he turns their own prayer on them, hoping that the Final Judgement will indeed come, to consign them to the flames of Hell (so also Conzelmann, Fitzmyer ad loc). 5. Didache 11:7 in Context (Varner); probable interpolation indented [7a] And every prophet speaking in the Spirit You should not test or judge [7b] for every sin will be forgiven but this sin will not be forgiven. [8] But not everyone speaking in the Spirit is a prophet, But only if he has the behavior of the Lord. Therefore from their behavior will be known the false prophet and the prophet 6. Didache 13:2 in Context (Varner); probable interpolation indented [1] And every genuine prophet wishing to settle down among you is worthy of his food. [2] Likewise a genuine teacher is worthy, just as the laborer, of his food. [3] So you shall take every first fruits of the produce from the wine vat and threshing floor, of both cattle and sheep. And you will give the first fruits to the prophets, for they themselves are your high priests. But if you do not have a prophet, give it to the poor. 7. Didache 14 (Varner); probable interpolation indented [14:1]. And on the Lords Day of the Lord, when you are gathered together, break bread. And give thanks, having before confessed your failings, so that your sacrifice may be pure. [2] However, let no one having a conflict with his comrade come together with you until they have been reconciled, in order that your sacrifice may not be defiled [3] For this [sacrifice] is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time, offer to me a pure sacrifice, Because I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name will be wondrous among the Gentiles.

Mt 12:31

Mt 10:10

[cf Mt 5:23-24]

Malachi 1:11, 14

E Bruce Brooks: Early Christianity and the Didache. SBL/NE 27 Apr 2012

Handout Page 3

8. Outline and Implied History of the Didache (Later additions inset; Matthean improvements at last indent)
0. Title: Didache Teaching 1-5. Two Ways [Not here Analyzed] [Various Matthean improvements were later added to this section also] 6:1-2. Introduction, See that no one leads you astray from this teaching 6:3. Concerning !"#$ %& food . . . 7. Concerning !"#$ %& baptism . . . 7:1b [Father/Son/Holy Spirit formula] 7:3b [same formula] 8 [Fasts and Lords Prayer] 9-10. Concerning !"#$ %& the thanksgiving meal, . . . 9:5b [Do not give what is holy to the dogs] 11:1-2 [On heterodox Christian preachers, c55] 11:3-11:12 Concerning !"#$ %& the prophets and apostles . . . 11:7b [Unforgivable sin] 12:1-13:7 [The apostle who becomes a permanent member of the community] 13:2 [Likewise, a genuine teacher is worthy of respect and salary] 14:1-3. [The Lords Day] 14:2 [Be reconciled before sacrifice] 15:1-4. [Overseers and Deacons] 16. Final Apocalypse

Mt 28:19 Mt 28:18 [Mt/Lk] Mt 7:6

Mt Mt 10:10 Mt 5:23-24 1-2 Timothy [Mt]

The original Didache was a liturgical reference, meant for the guidance of whatever elder was momentarily in charge of textually fixed observances. It was extended by adding personal guidance material (the Two Ways), giving it a wider teaching usefulness, and updated to include institutional developments: the creation of salaried teachers and the election of regular deacons. All this was supplemented by material from Matthew, called the Gospel, and a Matthean-based Apocalypse was added, to let the Didache itself function as a complete Gospel.

The Text of the Original Didache as Here Reconstructed

(Translation after Varner; poetic parts indented) The Teachings of the Twelve Apostles 6:1 6:2 See that no one leads you astray from this way of teaching, since he is teaching you apart from God. For on the one hand, if you are able to bear the whole yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect. But if, on the other hand, you are not able, that which you are able, do this:
FOOD

6:3

And concerning [!"#$ %&] food, bear that which you are able, But from the food sacrificed to idols, especially keep away, for it is the worship of dead gods.
BAPTISM

7:1 7:2 7:3 7:4

And concerning [!"#$ %&] baptism, baptize this way: After you have said all these things beforehand, immerse in flowing water. But if you do not have flowing water, immerse in other water, And if you are not able to do so in cold, in warm. And if you should not have either, pour out water onto the head. And prior to the baptism, let the baptizing one fast, also the one being baptized, And if any others are able to do so, And order the one being baptized to fast one or two [days] before.
THANKSGIVING MEAL

9:1 9:2

And concerning [!"#$ %&] the thanksgiving meal, give thanks this way: First, concerning the cup: We give you thanks, our Father, For the holy vine of your servant David Which you revealed to us through your servant Jesus, To you is the glory forever.

E Bruce Brooks: Early Christianity and the Didache. SBL/NE 27 Apr 2012
9:3 And concerning [!"#$ %&] the broken bread: We give you thanks, our Father, For the life and knowledge Which you revealed to us through your servant Jesus. To you is the glory forever Just as this broken bread was scattered over the mountains and was gathered together and became one, In this way may your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom

Handout Page 4

9:4

9:5 10:1 10:2

10:3

10:4 10:5

10:6

10:7 11:3 11:4 11:5

And let no one eat or drink from your thanksgiving meal except those baptized in the name of the Lord. And after being filled, give thanks in this way: We give you thanks, holy Father, for your holy name, Which you have caused to dwell in our hearts, And for the knowledge and faith and immortality Which you revealed to us through your servant Jesus To you is the glory forever. You, almighty Master, created all things for the sake of your name, Both food and drink you have given to people for enjoyment, in order that they might give thanks, But to us you have graciously bestowed spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your servant. Before all things we give you thanks because you are powerful. To you is the glory forever. Remember, Lord, your church, to save her from every evil And to perfect her in your love, And to gather her together from the four winds, ~ Mk 13:27 The sanctified into your kingdom which you prepared for her, Because yours is the power and the glory forever. May grace come and may this world pass away! Hosanna to the God of David! ~ Mk 11:10 If anyone is holy, let him come! If anyone is not, let him repent! Come, Lord [maranatha]! Amen! But allow the prophets to give thanks as much as they wish.
APOSTLES AND PROPHETS

And concerning [!"#$ %&] the apostles and prophets in accord with the decree of the Gospel, act thus: Every apostle coming to you, let him be received as the Lord. But he will not remain except for one day, and if there is a need, also another. ~ Mk 6:10 But if ever he should remain three, he is a false prophet. 11:6 And when he departs, let the apostle take nothing except bread [for] until he is lodged. ~ Mk 6:8 If however he asks for money, he is a false prophet. 11:7 And every prophet speaking in the Spirit, you should not test or judge, 11:8 But not everyone speaking in the Spirit is a prophet, but only if he has the behavior of the Lord. Therefore, from their behavior will be known the false prophet and the prophet. 11:9 And every prophet ordering a table in the Spirit will not eat from it, and if he does, he is a false prophet. 11:10 And every prophet teaching the truth, if he does not do what he teaches, he is a false prophet 11:11 And every prophet who has been put to the test and is genuine, and who acts for the earthly mystery of the church, but not teaching to do what he himself does, he shall not be judged by you, for he has his judgement from God. For also the ancient prophets so acted. 11:12 But whoever should say in the Spirit, Give me silver, or any other thing, you will not listen to him. ~ Mk 6:8 But if he should say to give to others in need, let no one judge him. [Probable end of the original Didache]

E Bruce Brooks: Early Christianity and the Didache. SBL/NE 27 Apr 2012
[ADDENDUM 1: THE APOSTLE WHO REMAINS]

Handout Page 5

12:1 12:2 12:3 12:4 12:5

And everyone coming in the name of the Lord, let him be received, And then, having put him to the test, you will know, for you will have understanding of right and left. If, on the one hand, the one coming is passing through, help him as much as you are able. He will not remain, however, among you except for two or three days, if there should be a need. But if on the other hand he wishes to settle down among you, and if he is a craftsman, let him work and let him eat. If, on the other hand, he does not have a craft, according to your own understanding, plan beforehand how he will live among you as a Christian, without being idle. If, on the other hand, he does not wish to behave in this way, he is a Christ-peddler. Beware of such ones!
[ADDENDUM 2: THE SALARIED APOSTLE]

13:1 13:3 13:4 13:5 13:6 13:7

And every genuine prophet wishing to settle down among you is worthy of his food. So you shall take every first fruits of the produce from the wine vat and threshing floor, of both cattle and sheep, and you will give the first fruits to the prophets, for they themselves are your high priests. But if you do not have a prophet, give it to the poor. But if you should make bread, take the first fruits, and give according to the commandment. Similarly, when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first fruits, and give it to the prophets. And of silver and of clothing and of every possession, take the first fruits, as it seems good to you, and give according to the commandment.

In thse first Didache extensions, we seem to be witnessing the transition from itinerant to resident church authorities. Later extensions are not given here.

References
Robert E Aldridge. The Lost Ending of the Didache. Vigiliae Christianae v53 # 1 (1999) 1-15 Gordon J Bahr. The Use of the Lords Prayer in the Primitive Church. JBL v84 #2 (1965) 153-159 Francis W Beare. The Gospel According to Matthew. Harper 1981 F W Beare. The Epistle to the Philippians. Black 1959 Hans Conzelmann. 1 Corinthians. 1969; Fortress 1976 W D Davies and Dale C Allison. The Gospel According to Saint Matthew. 3v Clark 1988-1997 Jonathan A Draper (ed). The Didache in Modern Research. Brill 1996 Burton Scott Easton. The Pastoral Epistles. Scribner 1947 Joseph A Fitzmyer. Ascension; in Advance 265-294 Joseph A Fitzmyer. To Advance the Gospel. 1981; 2ed Eerdmans 1998 Joseph A Fitzmyer. First Corinthians. Yale 2008 A M Hunter. Paul and His Predecessors. 1940, SCM 1961 James A Kleist. The Didache [Ancient Christian Writers]. Paulist 1948 Kirsopp Lake. Apostolic Fathers I [Loeb]. Harvard 1912 J B Lightfoot. St Pauls Epistle to the Philippians. Macmillan 1908 Kurt Niederwimmer. The Didache. 2ed 1993; Fortress 1998 Huub van de Sandt (ed). Matthew and the Didache. Royal van Gorcum 2005 Vincent Taylor. The Gospel According to St Mark. Macmillan 1959 Christopher M Tuckett. Synoptic Tradition in the Didache; in Draper Didache 92-128 William Varner. The Way of the Didache. University Press of America 2007 Joseph Verheyden. Eschatology in the Didache and the Gospel of Matthew; in van de Sandt Matthew 193-215 Adela Yarbro Collins. Mark [Hermeneia]. Fortress 2007