late 1st – early 2nd century

The Didache and the Apostolic Fathers: baptism, Eucharist and the way of life

The Didache, or "Teaching of the Twelve Apostles," is the oldest surviving manual of church discipline, discovered in the 1870s. It prescribes baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit by immersion in living (running) water, and, when water is lacking, by pouring water three times on the head; according to González it is the oldest text with this form of baptism. Catechumens memorized the moral code of the "Two Ways" – the way of life and the way of death; Hall stresses that no dogmatic knowledge was required for baptism. Chapters 9–10 and 14 describe a meal on the Lord's day, called a "sacrifice"; it is disputed whether they speak of a single meal or of an agape and a Eucharist. According to Berkhof, in the Apostolic Fathers the sacraments are the means by which the blessings of salvation are conveyed: baptism begins the new life and forgives sins, and the Supper imparts immortality.