FASTING, BAPTISM AND ESCHATOLOGY IN THE DIDACHE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Abstract

The study of the early Christian texts brings to light beliefs and perceptions that derive from the New Testament years and at the
same time highlights aspects of the life of the early Christian community. The contact with these texts is therefore of great importance because they serve as a link with the era of the New Testament and reveal to us how the early Christians behaved in matters of faith, ministry and pastoral care. It is therefore interesting to see from these sources, and without the Orthodox doctrine having received its full formation, the faith of the early Christians on issues of Trinitarianism, Christology, Ecclesiology. With the Didache we don’t really have something new. It presents the meanings briefly and clearly. This is because it is in fact stating things that are true and known. The text reveals a Church with a broader orientation, but also with a very strong Jewish heritage in its Tradition. In this context we will focus on specific issues as they are set forth in the Didache, especially the issues of fasting, baptism and the Last Days.