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The introduction to the Didache states that it is the Teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles by the Twelve Apostles. This would indicate that the intended audience was Gentile Christians. If we take the book at face value, we see a community that was concerned with the ethical instruction of its Gentile catechumens before baptism.
Both baptizer and baptized were to fast prior to the act. Baptism was done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as recommended by the Gospel of Matthew. Baptism was preferable in running water, but accommodation to other circumstances was acceptable.
The community was to fast two days per week and pray the Lord’s Prayer three times daily. Worship occurred on the Lord’s Day—Sunday. Confession preceded the Eucharist. Full, baptized members could engage in the Eucharist, but not those who had separated themselves by not acting peaceably. The liturgy of the Eucharist was far different than today, and it made no mention of the Passion or Resurrection. Jesus’ sacrifice was not mentioned; rather, the Eucharist was viewed as a sacrifice made by the worshippers (14:2). Strikingly, the cup preceded the bread in sequence, as is the case in a Jewish ritual meal. Also as in Judaism, a prayer of thanks was rendered after eating.
Itinerant religious figures termed prophets, apostles, and teachers would sometimes appear, and the community was concerned with how to interact with them correctly. They needed to know how to identify legitimate leaders from charlatans. Ecstatic utterance was still acceptable—to a point. First fruits (tithing) were to be collected and distributed to such prophets, who were viewed as successors to the Temple priests, or to the poor if no prophets were available. Bishops and deacons were to be appointed because, evidently, the community couldn’t rely only on itinerants for leadership. Congregants were advised to follow the bishops and deacons, even if they weren’t prophets and apostles.
If members would do this, then they could expect to be preserved through the coming apocalypse and, if necessary, be raised from the dead with the saints.