Sources of Authority
Sources of Authority
As is to be expected, the Didache draws upon the Jewish Bible and Jesus’ words for its teaching. The idea of there being Two Ways, or two paths for behavior, is based on Deuteronomy. The other clear foundation for the Two Ways material is the Decalogue, otherwise known as the Ten Commandments.
There is little agreement among scholars about whether the teachings of Jesus used in the Didache came from Matthew, Matthew and Luke, Q (the hypothesized common source of Matthew and Luke), oral tradition, or some other source.
Even less well understood are the Didache’s other sources; e.g., the basis for a number of the rules presented in the Church Order Section.
Then there is this peculiar teaching: “Indeed, there is a further saying that relates to this: ‘Let your donation sweat in your hands until you know to whom to give it,’” which appears to be a popular saying but may be a quote or citation from Ecclesiasticus 12:1.
Some believe that the Didachist’s traditions are closest to the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew is considered to be a very “Jewish” gospel; that is, it is very closely tied to the Jewish roots of Christianity. This Jewish tenor is consistent with some of what we see in the Didache: a concern for the dietary laws and other similarities with Jewish practice and perspectives.