Looking to the Ancient Past

The Didache are a compilation of writings from about 90 CE to 110 CE, very close to the times of the writings of the New Testament. They contain the worship practices and beliefs of the earliest Christians that have been conveyed through time, and have been attacked since the Church's beginning.

From the Didache:

You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten.

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...

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...

Now concerning the 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 for ever. 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 for ever. 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 for ever. But let no one eat or drink of your 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.

I have written earlier here on the Eucharist, and that the sacredness of it I think is being diminished. One of the things that prompted me to write that blog is that a dog was given holy bread at Communion, and here in the Didache, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs". This is a most holy rite and its holiness and sacredness must be maintained.



Sometimes we need to get back to basics, and these ancient writings do that and are a great addition to the study of Scripture. Another recommendations are Eusebius's "The History of the Church", and for a better understanding of the letters of the Apostle Paul and his culture, "Paul Among the People" by Sarah Ruden.