The Didache | Teaching of the Twelve Apostles the New

The present volume offers a compilation of different translations of a singular and compelling document, the Didache, or the “Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.” This early Christian text, possibly written in the first or second century, serves as a valuable guide to the ethical norms and religious practices of the earliest Christian communities. By presenting the translations of J.B. Lightfoot, Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, Kirsopp Lake, and Charles H. Hoole, this book seeks to illuminate the diverse perspectives and interpretative choices that shape our understanding of this significant early Christian text.

In the realm of translation, each rendering is as much an interpretation as it is a replication. Every translator approaches a text with their unique perspective, knowledge, and cultural backdrop, which invariably affects their interpretation. Each brings their understanding of the context, cultural nuances, historical connotations, and linguistic subtleties to the task of rendering the source text into their language. This premise is strongly manifested in the translations of the Didache featured in this volume.

J.B. Lightfoot, a profound scholar and theologian of the 19th century, was renowned for his expertise in the apostolic fathers and early Christian history. His translation of the Didache stands as a testament to his deep erudition and meticulous approach, with particular attention paid to historical context. His work is lauded for its accuracy and clear expression of the moral and liturgical instructions of the original text.

Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson’s work forms a part of the expansive ‘Ante-Nicene Fathers’ collection, providing invaluable insight into early Christian literature. Their translation of the Didache, done collaboratively, represents a synergy of scholarly perspective and theological understanding, delivering an interpretation that is both comprehensive and grounded in theological scholarship.

Kirsopp Lake, a celebrated scholar of the early 20th century, brought a fresh approach to the study of early Christian literature. His translation of the Didache is characterized by its scholarly precision, lucidity, and deep understanding of early Christian practices. Lake’s work is known for its meticulousness and a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural milieu of early Christianity.

Charles H. Hoole’s translation, albeit less widely known, offers a distinct perspective on the Didache. Hoole’s unique interpretive choices provide readers with an alternative lens through which to view the text, enriching our understanding of its complex moral and liturgical directives.

This collection invites the reader to explore the Didache through multiple lenses, acknowledging that each translation is an interpretation influenced by the translator’s context, insights, and scholarship. Together, these diverse translations provide a fuller, multi-faceted understanding of the Didache, enhancing our comprehension of early Christian life and thought. By recognizing the value in each of these translations, readers can appreciate the richness of interpretation and the breadth of understanding that can be gleaned from this vital document of early Christianity.

Our hope is that this collection will serve not only as a comprehensive resource for those studying the Didache, but also as a testament to the inherent diversity and depth that can be found in the exploration and translation of religious texts. Herein lies the beauty of this compilation: in the variance and versatility of interpretation, we find a richer, more nuanced understanding of one of Christianity’s earliest instructional texts.