The Didache

The Didache, also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is an anonymous early Christian work composed during the first centuries of Christianity.

The text begins by presenting two contrasting paths, the Way of Life and the Way of Death, offering moral instructions on how Christians should live. It emphasizes love of God and neighbor, generosity, self-control, and avoidance of behaviors considered sinful.

Later sections provide practical guidance on baptism, fasting, prayer, the Eucharist, and the organization of Christian communities. The work also discusses traveling apostles and prophets, local church leaders, and the responsibilities of believers toward one another.

One of the earliest surviving Christian writings outside the New Testament, The Didache offers an important glimpse into the beliefs and practices of early Christian communities. Its final section turns to the end times and encourages believers to remain watchful and faithful.

"I. There are two paths, one of life and one of death, and the difference is great between the two paths.
Now the path of life is this—first, thou shalt love the God who made thee, thy neighbour as thyself, and all things that thou wouldest not should be done unto thee, do not thou unto another."

This edition of The Didache was translated and edited by Charles H. Hoole and published in 1894.