Didache: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

Rediscovered in 1873, the Didache provides a glimpse of early Christian ritual and liturgy. This text, which dates to the late first or early second century, is the very first manual for Christian life. Here Clayton Jefford presents parallel translations of the original-language manuscripts — from Greek, Latin, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Georgian. His detailed introduction places the Didache in its historical context, and cross references and notes on sources enable in-depth study.

“This new translation and introduction to the Didache combines an impressive breadth of resources with depth of analysis and insight. Because it preserves some of the earliest evidence of early Christian liturgy, practice, and popular belief, the Didache is a perennially fascinating document, but because it is preserved in a number of exotic languages, non-specialist access has been problematic. Jefford’s accessible multi-column format helps overcome that hurdle, and the result is a welcome guide to this significant early Christian document.” —Michael W. Holmes, Bethel University