Didache
A Window On The Earliest Christians
Didache
A Window On The Earliest Christians
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Paperback / softback
£19.99
Publisher: SPCK Publishing
ISBN: 9780281059539
Number of Pages: 256
Published: 31/08/2010
Width: 13.8 cm
Height: 21.6 cm
The Didache is one of the earliest Christian writings, earlier than most of the documents that make up the New Testament.
It provides practical instructions on how a Christian community should function, and offers unique insights into the way the earliest Christians lived and worshipped.
In this highly readable introduction, Thomas O'Loughlin tells the intriguing story of the Didache, from its discovery in the late nineteenth century to the present. He then provides an illuminating commentary on the entire text, highlighting areas of special interest to Christians today, and ends with a fresh translation of the text itself.
List of illustrations viii
Preface ix
Acknowledgements xi
Introduction xiii
1 A chance discovery 1
2 Choosing a way 28
3 Joining the group 46
4 Prayer and fasting 66
5 Meeting and eating 85
6 A network of service 105
7 Fears and hope 129
8 The challenge of the Didache 145
The Teaching of the Lord Given to the Gentiles by the Twelve Apostles 161
Further reading 172
Index of biblical and ancient texts 179
Index of authors and subjects 182
'A valuable and thorough introduction to an important though little-studied work that provides a unique window on a corner of the early Christian world.' Sean Freyne, Emeritus Professor of Theology, Trinity College Dublin 'A truly accessible commentary on this ancient text and on the early Christian communities that lie behind it, and yet one that incorporates up-to-date academic scholarship.' Paul Bradshaw, Professor of Liturgy, University of Notre Dame, USA 'I highly recommend this informed, engaging and pastorally sensitive exploration of the Didache. Reading the text within its Jewish roots and in harmony with its New Testament parallels, Thomas O'Loughlin shows how the Didache admirably shaped the faith and practice of second-generation Christians in ways that have relevance for us today.' Aaron Milavec, author of The Didache: Faith, Hope, and Life of the Earliest Christian Communities, 50 - 70 C.E.
