The base layer of the Didache (as identified in The Gospel of Matthew's Dependence on the Didache), contains a number of correlations with the so-called Apostolic Decree mentioned in the New Testament.

Date: The most likely date for the meeting at which the decree was reputedly promulgated is c. AD 49. This matches evidence for the date of the Didache's base layer.

Authors and Addressees: Luke claims that the decree was composed by James and the Jerusalem apostles (Acts 15.13,23) and sent to Gentile converts in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15.23). The Didache bears the title 'The Teaching of the Lord, by the Twelve Apostles, to the Gentiles' (for a discussion of the authenticity and antiquity of this title see GMDD pp.143-147. An argument for Matthew's acceptance of this title is due to appear in CM Tuckett and Andrew Gregory, The New Testament and the Apostolic Fathers, (OUP, forthcoming)).

Subject matter: It is likely that the Jerusalem meeting of c. AD 49 discussed the conditions under which Gentiles could be allowed to eat with Jewish members of the Jesus movement (including at the Eucharist). This is precisely the issue discussed by the base layer of the Didache. Here, baptism is allowed if Gentiles accept a minimum adherence to the Jesus movement's moral standard. Those who are baptised on these conditions are permitted to take part in the eucharist, the meal that expresses the essence of the movement's identity and future hope (Did. 9.1-5a). (For a detailed discussion of the eucharistic prayers in the Didache see GMDD pp.13-28).

Provenance: According to Luke, the decree was sent from Jerusalem to Antioch and the surrounding region. While the provenance of the Didache has long been disputed, the majority of scholars associate it with Antioch. A Judean origin is also credible.

Influence:The Apostolic Decree, if it existed, would have been a remarkably authoritative and widely dispersed document (cf. Acts 16.4). It might be expected, therefore, that such a writing would achieve a widespread influence in the literature of early Christianity. It is noteworthy, therefore, that such an influence may be detected in at least the following: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Peter and Revelation. A number of later Christian writings also mention, or reflect the influence of, the Didache.

Conclusion: The parallels between the Didache's base layer and the Apostolic Decree are striking in several important respects. Further work is required before a link between the two may be described as firmly established. In the meantime, however, the antiquity of the Didache suggests interesting implications for: Christians and the Jewish Law, our picture of Jesus and the pattern of Christian worship.

25.10.04