What does the base layer of the Didache demand of Gentile converts to the Jesus Movement? It seems there is a subtle compromise. Gentiles are taught to accept a basic Jewish moral code before they are baptised and allowed to share in the sacred meal of the movement - the Lord's Supper. This code is a rather striking interpretation of the Jewish Law, and one that fits well with what we know about Jesus from the Gospels. It is a version of the Law that prioritises love (Didache 1.1-2). It doesn't contain anything about food laws or religious rituals, it is simply a code for living in the Kingdom of God. Significantly, these Gentiles are not forced to accept circumcision (see Didache 6.2-3.)

There is an ambiguity, however. The Jewish authors of this text are willing to make a short-term concession to the morally inferior Gentiles who wish to join the Jesus movement. However, Didache 16.2 states that 'the whole time of your faith will be of no account unless you are perfected at the final hour'. The concept of 'perfection' here refers to a complete observance of the Jewish Law (cf. 'perfect' in Didache 6.2). This suggests that the Jewish authors were willing to allow uncircumcised Gentiles to join the movement as lesser citizens for the time being - while expecting that they would need to become fully observant of the Law (including circumcision) before the End.