The Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) — The Didache

There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is 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 whatever you do not want to happen to you, do not do to another person. The teaching of these sayings is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there if you love those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you will not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly desires. If someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you will be perfect. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. If someone takes away your cloak, give him your coat also. If someone takes from you what is yours, do not ask for it back, for you cannot. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask it back; for the Father wants us to give to all from our own blessings. Happy is the one who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to the one who receives; for if someone receives who has need, he is guiltless; but the one who receives without having need will pay the penalty for why he received and for what purpose, and when he comes into confinement, he will be examined concerning the things he has done, and he will not escape from there until he pays back the last farthing. But also concerning this, it has been said: Let your alms sweat in your hands until you know to whom you should give.

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, your neighbour as yourself; and all things whatsoever you would should not occur to you, do not also do to another. 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, if you love those who love you? Do not also 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 gives you a blow upon 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 away 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 that 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 that gives according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receives; for if one having need receives, he is guiltless; but he that receives not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement), he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing. Matthew 5:26 But also now concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.

The second commandment of the Teaching is this: You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not engage in sexual immorality, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice sorcery, you shall not murder a child through abortion, and you shall not kill a newborn infant. You shall not desire what belongs to your neighbor, you shall not break an oath, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not speak evil of others, and you shall not hold a grudge. You shall not be double-minded or speak with a double tongue, for speaking with a double tongue is a trap leading to death. Your words shall not be false or meaningless, but backed up by action. You shall not be greedy, you shall not be a swindler, you shall not be a hypocrite, you shall not be malicious, and you shall not be arrogant. You shall not plot evil against your neighbor. You shall not hate anyone, but some people you should correct, for some you should pray, and some you should love more than your own life.

And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, Exodus 20:13-14 you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, Exodus 20:15 you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten. You shall not covet the things of your neighbour, Exodus 20:17 you shall not forswear yourself, Matthew 5:34 you shall not bear false witness, Exodus 20:16 you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbour. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.

My child, run away from every evil thing and from anything that resembles it. Don't be quick to anger, because anger leads to murder. Don't be jealous, argumentative, or hot-tempered, because all of these give birth to murders. My child, don't be lustful, because lust leads to fornication. Don't use filthy language or have a proud look, because all of these give birth to adulteries. My child, don't practice divination by omens, since it leads to idolatry. Don't be an enchanter, an astrologer, or a purifier, and don't be willing to observe these things, because all of these give birth to idolatry. My child, don't be a liar, since lying leads to theft. Don't be money-loving or vainglorious, because all of these give birth to thefts. My child, don't be a complainer, since it leads to blasphemy. Don't be self-willed or evil-minded, because all of these give birth to blasphemies. Instead, be meek, since the meek will inherit the earth. Be patient, merciful, innocent, gentle, and good, and always tremble at the words you have heard. Don't exalt yourself or give your soul over-confidence. Don't let your soul associate with proud people, but let it keep company with righteous and humble people. Accept the things that happen to you as good, knowing that nothing occurs apart from God.

My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads the way to murder; neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper; for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one; for lust leads the way to fornication; neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye; for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads the way to idolatry; neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to look at these things; for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads the way to theft; neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy; neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered. But be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, Luke 18:14 nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. The workings that befall you receive as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.

My child, remember night and day the person who speaks God's word to you, and honor him as you would the Lord, for where the lordly authority speaks, there the Lord is. Seek out the company of the saints every day so that you may find rest in their words. Do not desire division, but bring those who are fighting to peace. Judge righteously and do not show favoritism when correcting wrongdoing. Do not be uncertain about whether something will happen or not. Do not be someone who eagerly reaches out to receive but pulls back when it is time to give. If you have possessions, use them to give ransom for your sins through your own hands. Do not hesitate to give, and do not complain when you give, for you will know who is the good repayer of wages. Do not turn away from someone in need, but share everything with your brother and do not claim these things are your own. If you share in what is immortal, how much more should you share in what is mortal? Do not withhold your guidance from your son or daughter, but teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not give orders in anger to your male or female servant who hopes in the same God, or else they will stop fearing God who is over both of you, for he does not call people based on outward appearance but comes to those whom the Spirit has prepared. And you servants, be obedient to your masters as to a type of God, with humility and fear. Hate all hypocrisy and everything that does not please the Lord. Do not abandon the commandments of the Lord in any way, but keep what you have received, neither adding to it nor taking away from it. In the church, confess your sins, and do not approach prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.

My child, him that speaks to you the word of God remember night and day; and you shall honour him as the Lord; for in the place whence lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And you shall seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. You shall not long for division, but shall bring those who contend to peace. You shall judge righteously, you shall not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether it shall be or no. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. You shall not hesitate to give, nor murmur when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. You shall not turn away from him that is in want, but you shall share all things with your brother, and shall not say that they are your own; for if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? You shall not remove your hand from your son or from your daughter, but from their youth shall teach them the fear of God. Ephesians 6:4 You shall not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1 for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but unto them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22 You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Forsake in no way the commandments of the Lord; but you shall keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. Deuteronomy 12:32 In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.

The way of death is this: First of all, it is evil and full of curses—murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcraft, robberies, false testimonies, hypocrisies, double-mindedness, deceit, pride, depravity, stubbornness, greed, filthy speech, jealousy, arrogance, haughtiness, boastfulness. Those on this path persecute good people, hate truth, love lies, do not know the reward for righteousness, do not hold to what is good or to righteous judgment, do not watch for what is good but for what is evil. Gentleness and patience are far from them. They love worthless things, pursue revenge, do not pity the poor, do not work for the suffering, do not know Him who made them. They are murderers of children, destroyers of God's handiwork, turning away from those in need, afflicting those in distress, advocates for the rich, lawless judges of the poor, complete sinners. Children, be delivered from all these things.

And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and full of curse: murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rapines, false witnessings, hypocrisies, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing requital, not pitying a poor man, not labouring for the afflicted, not knowing Him that made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him that is in want, afflicting him that is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.

Make sure no one leads you astray from this path of the Teaching, since it teaches you apart from God. If you can bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you cannot, then do what you can. Regarding food, bear what you are able to; but be extremely careful to avoid food sacrificed to idols, for it is the worship of dead gods.

See that no one cause you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear all the yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able, what you are able that do. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly on your guard; for it is the service of dead gods.

Regarding baptism, baptize in this way: After first saying all these things, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit in living water. But if you do not have living water, baptize in other water; and if you cannot use cold water, use warm water. But if you have neither, pour water three times on the head in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit. Before the baptism, let the one baptizing fast, and the one being baptized, and any others who are able; but you shall command the one being baptized to fast for one or two days beforehand.

And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 in living water. But if you have not living water, baptize into other water; and if you can not in cold, in warm. But if you have not either, pour out water thrice upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

Don't fast like the hypocrites do; Matthew 6:16 they fast on the second and fifth days of the week, but you should fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Don't pray like the hypocrites either, but pray as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Yours is the power and the glory forever. Pray like this three times a day.

But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites; Matthew 6:16 for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week; but fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Neither pray as the hypocrites; but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, thus pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Yours is the power and the glory forever. Thrice in the day thus pray.

Now concerning the Thanksgiving (Eucharist), give thanks in this way. First, concerning the cup: We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David your servant, which you made known to us through Jesus your Servant; to you be the glory forever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank you, our Father, for the life and knowledge which you made known to us through Jesus your Servant; to you be the glory forever. Just as this broken bread was scattered over the hills and was gathered together and became one, so let your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom; for yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever. But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving (Eucharist) except those who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs. Matthew 7:6

Now concerning the Thanksgiving ( Eucharist), thus give thanks. First, concerning the cup: We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory forever. And concerning the broken bread: We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory forever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; for Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever. But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving ( Eucharist), but they who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs. Matthew 7:6

After you have been fed, give thanks in this way: We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You caused to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory forever. You, Master almighty, created all things for Your name's sake; You gave food and drink to people for enjoyment, so that they might give thanks to You; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory forever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David! If anyone is holy, let him come; if anyone is not so, let him repent. Maran atha. Amen. But permit the prophets to give thanksgiving as much as they desire.

But after you are filled, thus give thanks: We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You caused to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant; to You be the glory forever. You, Master almighty, created all things for Your name's sake; You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You; but to us You freely gave spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory forever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maran atha. Amen. But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.

Therefore, whoever comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, welcome him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine that destroys this, do not listen to him. However, if he teaches in a way that increases righteousness and knowledge of the Lord, welcome him as the Lord. Concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the rule of the Gospel as follows. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he must not stay more than one day, or if necessary, a second day. If he stays three days, he is a false prophet. When the apostle leaves, let him take nothing except bread until he reaches his lodging. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. Do not test or judge any prophet who speaks in the Spirit, for every sin will be forgiven, but this sin will not be forgiven. However, not everyone who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet—only if he follows the ways of the Lord. Therefore, the false prophet and the true prophet will be recognized by their ways. Any prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat from it, unless he is actually a false prophet. Any prophet who teaches the truth but does not do what he teaches is a false prophet. Any prophet who is proven true and works toward the mystery of the Church in the world, yet does not teach others to do what he himself does, must not be judged among you, for his judgment rests with God. The ancient prophets did the same. But if anyone says in the Spirit, "Give me money" or something else, do not listen to him. However, if he tells you to give for the sake of others who are in need, let no one judge him.

Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turn and teach another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not; but if he teach so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do. Let every apostle that comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet that speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he hold the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit eats not from it, except indeed he be a false prophet; and every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him; but if he says to you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.

Everyone who comes in the name of the Lord should be received, but afterward you must test and get to know him, for you will have the ability to discern between true and false. If the person who comes is a traveler, help him as much as you can, but he should not stay with you more than two or three days, unless necessary. However, if he wants to settle with you and is a craftsman, let him work and eat, but if he has no trade, use your judgment to make sure that he does not live among you as an idle Christian. If he refuses to work, he is a Christ-monger. Be careful to keep away from such people.

But let every one that comes in the name of the Lord be received, and afterward you shall prove and know him; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you, except for two or three days, if need be. But if he wills to abide with you, being an artisan, let him work and eat; 2 Thessalonians 3:10 but if he has no trade, according to your understanding see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep aloof from such.

Every true prophet who wants to live among you deserves your financial support. Likewise, a true teacher deserves support as a worker deserves his wages. Therefore, take the first portion of everything produced from the wine press and threshing floor, and of cattle and sheep, and give it to the prophets, because they are your high priests. But if you do not have a prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first portion and give it according to the commandment. Similarly, when you open a jar of wine or oil, take the first portion and give it to the prophets. And from money, clothing, and every possession, take the first portion, as seems right to you, and give it according to the commandment.

But every true prophet that wills to abide among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Matthew 10:10; cf. Luke 10:7 Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have not a prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.

Every Sunday, gather together, break bread, and give thanks after you have confessed your sins, so that your sacrifice may be pure. But do not let anyone who has a conflict with another person join you until they have been reconciled, so that your sacrifice will not be defiled. For this is what the Lord spoke: In every place and at every time offer me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.

But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one that is at variance with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.

Therefore, appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons who are worthy of the Lord—men who are gentle, not lovers of money, truthful, and proven. They perform for you the same service as prophets and teachers. So do not look down on them, for they hold a place of honor among you, along with the prophets and teachers. Correct one another not in anger, but in peace, as you find it in the Gospel. But when someone sins against another person, let no one speak to him, and let him hear nothing from you, until he repents. Carry out your prayers, giving of alms, and all your actions as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.

Therefore, appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, 1 Timothy 3:4 and truthful and proven; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Despise them not therefore, for they are your honoured ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel; Matthew 18:15-17 but to every one that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.

Watch over your life. Do not let your lamps go out or your loins become loose; instead, be ready, for you do not know the hour when our Lord comes. But gather together frequently, seeking the things that are fitting for your souls, for the whole time of your faith will not benefit you if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters will be multiplied, and the sheep will be turned into wolves, and love will be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they will hate and persecute and betray one another, and then the world-deceiver will appear as the Son of God, and will perform signs and wonders, and the earth will be delivered into his hands, and he will do wicked things that have never yet happened since the beginning. Then the creation of men will come into the fire of trial, and many will be made to stumble and will perish; but those who endure in their faith will be saved from under the curse itself. And then the signs of the truth will appear: first, the sign of an opening in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord will come and all His saints with Him. Then the world will see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.

Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord comes. Matthew 24:42 But often shall you come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; Matthew 24:11-12 for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, Matthew 24:10 and then shall appear the world-deceiver as the Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.