The Didache: a window on the earliest Christians

Description

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.;Cover page; About the author; Title page; Imprint; Dedication; Table of Contents; Illustrations; Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. A chance discovery; 2. Choosing a way; 3. Joining the group; 4. Prayer and fasting; 5. Meeting and eating; 6. A network of service; 7. Fears and hope; 8. The challenge of the Didache; The Teaching of the Lord Given to the Gentiles by the Twelve Apostles; Further reading; Search items for biblical and ancient texts; Search items for authors and subjects.