Didache, The

This document, also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, and sometimes called The Teaching of the Lord to the Heathen by the Twelve Apostles, dates from the early second century. Its author, date, and place of writing are unknown. “Didache” is Greek for “teaching.” The document, an early church order, is essentially a manual of instruction for the early Christian community. The first part provides moral instruction for adherents of the faith and for catechumens. It describes the “Two Ways,” the “Way of Life” and the “Way of Death.” The second part is a manual of instructions about baptism, the eucharist, fasting, and prayer. Baptism is to be by immersion. Baptism can be done by threefold affusion if immersion is impossible. This is the first reference to baptism other than by immersion. See Church Orders.