The following information provides some material regarding one of the most controversial aspects of Pauline dogma vis a vis current Catholic teaching. This document is extremely important as it predates most of the NT in regards to its original composition. There is a great historical problem regarding the priority and validity of Paul's transmission of the Eucharist as a Christian rite and the lack of any other Eucharist teaching in the Gospel of John, the Didache and other NT sources. It is important to determine if Paul invented this rite as it is not very probable that such a Pagan custom would have been adopted by Jewish converts of any sect but especially those like James who was a Nazorean and a high priest in the Temple of Jerusalem. In support of this thesis the Didache which only appeared in 1873 contains absolutely no evidence of Paul's eucharist rite but much evidence to support the traditional Judaic custom of drinking wine and then breaking bread to celebrate a traditional meal among Jews. It should be noted that such a custom as eating the flesh of a God ( ie. a sacrificial victim ) was extremely common throughout the Middle East and the Greek speaking world at this time as evidenced by the cults of Tammuz and Adonis, and the mystery cults of the Greek religious festivals.
The chief interest- and great puzzle of the Didache is in its Eucharistic Chapters 9 and 10. Here is the original text which shows quite clearly that this early celebration was only a "Jewish" traditional meal. The Aramaic form of Marana tha meaning Lord come indicates an early composition and again, no mention of Jesus as a God.
9 Regarding the Eucharist. Give thanks as follows: First concerning the cup:
2 " We give Thee thanks, Our Father, for the Holy Vine of David Thy servant, which Thou hast made known to us through Jesus, Thy Servant.""To Thee be the glory for evermore."
3Next concerning the broken bread:
"We give Thee thanks, Our Father, for the life and knowledge which though hast made known to us through Jesus, Thy Servant."
"To Thee be glory for evermore."
4 "As this broken bread was scattered over the hills and then, when gathered became one mass, so may thy church be gathered from the ends of the earth into Thy Kingdom."
"For thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for evermore."
5 Let no one eat and drink of your Eucharist but those baptized in the name of the Lord; to this, too, the saying of the Lord is applicable: Do not give to dogs what is sacred
10 After you have taken your fill of food, give thanks as follows:
2" We give Thee thanks, O Holy Father, for Thy holy name which Thou has enshrined in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which Thou has made known to us through Jesus,Thy Servant."
"To Thee be the glory for evermore."3" Thou, Lord Almighty, hast created all things for the sake of Thy name and hast given food and drink for men to enjoy, that they may give thanks to Thee; but to us Thou has vouchsafed spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Jesus, Thy Servant."
4 "Above all, we give Thee thanks because Thou art almighty."
"To Thee be glory for evermore."5 "Remember, O Lord Thy Church: deliver her from evil, perfect her in Thy love, and from the four winds assemble her, the sanctified, in Thy Kingdom which Thou hast prepared for her."
"For Thine is the power and the glory for evermore."
6" May Grace come, and this world pass away !"
"Hosanna to the God of David!" "If anyone is holy, let him advance if anyone is not let him be converted. Marana tha! "Amen."7 "But permit the prophets to give thanks as much as they desire. "