34. Didache – part 3

Didache Part 3: Ministry & Prophets

11 of 16

11:1 Receive whoever shall come and teach you all these things we have said before (in earlier chapters).

11:2 Reject a teacher who subverts and teaches you a conflicting doctrine. Receive a teacher as the Lord Himself, if he comes to add to your righteousness, and the knowledge of the Lord.

11:3 But concerning the apostles and prophets, do all things according to the doctrine of the Gospel.

11:4 Let every apostle who come to you be received as the Lord.

11:5 Such an apostle will remain one day, and if it be necessary, a second day; but if he remains three days, he is a false prophet.

11:6 And let the apostle when departing take nothing but bread until he arrives at his resting place; but if he asks for money, he is a false prophet.

11:7 Do not tempt or dispute with any prophet who speaks in the Holy Spirit; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.

11:8 But not everyone who speaks in the spirit is a prophet, but he is so who has the disposition of the Lord; by their dispositions they therefore shall be known, the false prophet and the prophet.

11:9 And every prophet who orders in the Holy Spirit that a table shall be laid, shall not eat of it himself. But if he do otherwise, he is a false prophet.

11:10 Every prophet who teaches the Truth, but does not do what he preaches, is a false prophet.

11:11 Every prophet who is approved and true, and ministering in the visible mystery of the Church, but who teaches not others to do the things that he does himself, shall not be judged by you, for with God lies his judgment, for in this manner also did the ancient prophets.

11:12 But whoever shall say in the spirit, give me money, or things of that kind, listen not to him; but if he tell you concerning others that are in need that you should give unto them, let no one judge him.

12 of 16

12:1 Let everyone who comes in the Name of the Lord be received, but afterwards examine him and know his character, for you have knowledge both of good and evil.

12:2 If a traveler comes to you, assist him as much as you are able; but he will not remain with you more than two or three days, unless there be a necessity.

12:3 If a person who is a craftsman wishes to settle with you, let him work, and so eat.

12:4 But if a person who comes to you knows not any craft, provide according to your own discretion, but know that a Christian may not live idle among you.

12:5 But reject those unskilled who are unwilling to work for a fair wage and yet expect you to provide.

13 of 16

13:1 Every true prophet who is willing to dwell among you is worthy of his meat.

13:2 Likewise a true teacher is himself worthy of his meat, even as is a laborer.

13:3 Take the first fruits of every produce of the winepress and threshing-floor, of oxen and sheep, and give it to the prophets, for they are your chief priests.

13:4 But if you do not have a prophet, give it to the poor.

13:5 If you prepare a feast, take and give the first fruits according to the commandment of God.

13:6 In the same manner, when you open a jar of wine or oil, take the first fruits and give it to the prophets.

13:7 Take also the first fruits of money, of clothes, and of every possession, as it shall seem good to you, and give it according to the commandment of God.

14 of 16

14:1 But on the Lord’s day, after you have assembled together, confess your sins so that your sacrifice may be pure, break bread and give thanks.

14:2 Let those who have had a quarrel with others be reconciled first, before they attend the assembly, so that your sacrifice may not be polluted.

14:3 For the Lord said, “In every place and time offer unto me a pure sacrifice, for I am a great King, saith the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the Gentiles.”

15 of 16

15:1 Elect bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are meek and not covetous, true and approved, for they perform for you the service of prophets and teachers.

15:2 Do not despise them, for they are those who are honored among you, together with the prophets and teachers.

15:3 Rebuke one another, not in anger but in peace, as the Gospel commanded you. Let no one speak to anyone who walks disorderly with regards to his neighbor, neither let him be heard by you until he first repents.

15:4 Pray, give alms, and in all your deeds, do as the Gospel of our Lord commanded you.

Book Index | Prev: Didache part 2 | Next: Didache part 4