The Didache
A Window On The Earliest Christians
Published on 31. August 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-281-05953-9 (ISBN)
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
'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.EMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
ill
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
269 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-281-05953-9 (9780281059539)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2011
SPCK Publishing
€18.49
Available for download
Person
Thomas O'Loughlin is Professor of Historical Theology at the University of Nottingham. He has published extensively on how ancient text can reveal the lives of Christians. His books include Discovering Saint Patrick (DLT/Paulist 2005), Celtic Theology: Humanity, World and God in Early Irish Writings (Continuum, 2000) and Saint Patrick: The Man and his Works (SPCK, 1999).
Content
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
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