The Didache-(anywhere from 60 -150 A.D). Similar to previous writings discussed as it is similar time frame .A lot of similar stuff to Barnabus.I do not see any new items , and henceforth the Didache presents a very catholic /universal Christian message , good for protetsants ,catholics ,orthodox alike.That is not to say some items are up for discussion , as there is in Holy Scripture also…Here are some points: after admonishing respect for the speaker of God’s word, he also says to “daily seek out the saints and find rest in their words”-(4:4). I see this as fellow brethren , still alive, to build each other up. I do not know if Catholics see it as heavenly saints. " In church thou shalt confess they transgressions, and shall not betake thyself to prayer with an evil conscience"-(4:14). This definitely is a honing in on scripture of confessing of your faults one to another, as in “church”. Certainly catholics and protestants see this as a foundation,and I understand there is evidence in later writings of confessing before the congregation, as many protestants have done, and some continue . It is not explicit to a “confessor’’ or a “confessional” at this point ,in my opinion. It may not even be any verbal confession but simply to make sure you always confess to the Father (says clean conscience /confessing is “a way of life”). For sure the context is for effectual prayer , as depicted in the “Our Father” and Jesus talking of the justified publican(?) who in his prayer and offering said,” Lord, forgive me a sinner “-both cases show a confession to the Father, and certainly one should begin a service/mass with a clean conscience.Jesus also says before offering to make amends first to anyone you offended, you would think especially a brethren at the church service/mass. …Just my thoughts…If I concede it should be verbal and in church ,Catholics should concede it does not say to a priest or confessor… It ,like Barnabus , says hold on to the commandments given you , do not add or detract (although Barnabus says stick to what is written)…Baptism is talked of , the formula (name of the father and …) ,and running water and fasting a day or two before. It seems immersion is preferred , but if not, sprinkling. Says nothing of “regenerative” , but I would think the baptized is a believer before , because he is asked to fast along with other brethren. Certainly not for infants, for they can not fast .( 7)…The Eucharist is next ,do not believe it shows transubstantiation, but could be gleaned , after all, it is gleaned from scripture also by Catholics. Do talk of” cup" in Jewish terms, holy vine of David, and a remembrance, of knowledge thru Jesus. Same for the “broken bread”, and knowledge thru Jesus .It seems to be an offering, for which we give thanks, for His Holy Name ,which tabernacles in our hearts, and for the knowledge , faith and immortality given by Jesus. It also says he “did bestow upon us spiritual food and drink, and eternal life thru Jesus” (10:3) I have no problem with this ,and see it for what it is, outside of transubstantiation. I am sure Catholics will herald it as otherwise .It is no different than scripture, and does not add any further insight The Didache says nothing of His Flesh and Blood directly. It certainly says we are His monstrance, and indicates no other , and certainly no other to be worshipped, not at this time, or writing…“And on the Lord’s day gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks, first confessing your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure.” Make sure you are reconciled to all.(14:2) I would say the sacrifice is praise and thanksgiving (eucharist). It says nothing of the sacrifice of " blood and flesh"…It says “appoint yourselves bishops and deacons”, that seems to mean local autonomy, that is the local congregation prays and annoints bishops ,and not an overseeing church heirarchy. Again ,no pope alluded to in the Didache. …To finalize ,the Didache seems universal and shows only a simple, catholic church, acceptable to protestants and Catholics alike, I suppose,especially if the Catholic believes that some of it’s doctrines evolved over time( as some have confessed here at Catholic Answers).
