Didache

                  DIDACHE
                        (Messianic Version)
   The Teaching Of The L-rd To The Goyim-<Gentiles> By The Twelve
                         Emissaries-<Apostles>:

The following is a writing by Messianic Jews to the Gentile/Goyim
Congregations during the 1st Century AD/Ce period.

1.> There are two ways, one of life, and one of death; and there is a
great difference between the two ways. The way of life is this; First
of all: Thou shalt love the L-rd thy G-d that made thee; secondly: Thy
neighbor as thyself. And all things whatsoever thou would have not
befall thyself, neither do thou unto another. Now of these words the
doctrine is this: Bless them that bless you, and pray for your enemies,
and fast for them that persecute you; for what thanks is it, if you
love them that love you? Do not even the goyim-<gentiles> the same?
But you: do love them that hate you, and you shall not have an enemy.
Abstain you from fleshly and bodily lusts. If any man gives you a blow
on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if a man take away
your cloak, give him your coat also; if a man take away from you that
which is your own, ask it not back -for neither are you able. To every
man that asks of you give, and ask not back; for the Father desires
that gifts be given to all from His own bounties. Blessed is he that
gives according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Oy/woe unto
him that receives; for: if a man receives having need, he is guiltless;
but he that has no need shall give satisfaction why and wherefore he
received; and being put in confinement he shall be examined concerning
the deeds that he has done, and he shall not come out from there until
he has given-(paid) back the last agora. Yea, as touching this also it
is said: Let thine alms sweat into thine hands, until thou shalt have
learned to whom to give.
2.> And this is the second mitzvah-<commandment> of the teaching:
Thou shalt do no murder; thou shalt not commit adultery; you shall not
corrupt boys; thou shalt not commit fornication; thou shalt not steal;
you shall not deal in magic; you shall do no sorcery; you shall not
murder a child by abortion nor kill them when born; thou shalt not
covet thy neighbour's goods; thou shalt not perjure thyself; thou shalt
not bear false witness; you shall not speak evil; you shall not cherish
a grudge; you shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for the
double-tongue is a snare of death. Your word shall not be false or
empty, but completed by action. You shall not be greedy for riches,
nor a plunderer, nor a hypocrite, nor ill-tempered, nor proud. You
shall not entertain an evil design against your neighbor. Thou shalt
not hate any man, but: some thou shalt reprove, and for others you
shall pray, and others you shall love more than your life.
3.> My child, flee from every evil and everything that resembles it.
Be not angry -for anger leads to murder; nor jealous, nor contentious
nor wrathful -for of all these things murders are engendered. My child
be not lustful -for lust leads to fornication; neither foul-speaking,
neither with uplifted eyes -for of all these things adulteries are
engendered. My child, be no dealer in omens, since it leads to
idolatry; nor an enchanter nor an astrologer nor a magician, neither be
willing to look at them -for from all these things idolatry is
engendered. My child, be not a liar, since lying leads to theft;
neither greedy for riches, neither boastfully vain and proud of
yourself -for from all these things thefts are engendered. My child,
be not a murmurer, since it leads to blasphemy; neither self-willed
neither a thinker of evil thoughts -for from all these things
blasphemies are engendered. But be meek, since the meek shall inherit
the earth-<Land>. Be long-suffering, and full of compassion, and
guileless, and quiet, and kind, and always fearing the words which
you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, neither shall you admit
boldness into your soul. Your soul shall not cleave together with the
lofty, but with the tzaddikim-<righteous> and humble shall you walk.
The accidents that befal you, you shall receive as good, knowing that
nothing is done without Elohim/G-d.
4.> My child, you shall remember him that speaks unto you the Word
of Elohim night and day, and shall honour him in a similar-manner/like
the L-rd; for from whatever place those led of the L-rd speak, there is
the L-rd. Moreover you shall seek out day by day the persons of the
sanctified-ones-<saints>, that you may find rest in their words. You
shall not make a schism, but you shall placate/calm them that contend;
you shall judge righteously, you shall not make a difference in a
person to reprove him for transgressions. You shall not doubt whether
a thing shall be or not be.
     Be you not found holding out your hands to receive, but drawing
them in as to giving. If you have ought passing through your hands,
you shall give a ransom for your sins. You shall not hesitate to give,
neither shall you murmur when giving; for you shall know Who is the
Good Paymaster of your reward. You shall not turn away from him that
is in want, but shall make your brother partaker in all things, and
shall not say that anything is your own. For if you are fellow-
partakers in that which is imperishable, how much rather in the things
which are perishable?
     You shall not withhold your hand from your son or your daughter,
but from their youth you shall teach them the fear of Elohim/G-d. You
shall not command your bondservant or your handmaid in your bitterness,
who trust in the same G-d as yourself -lest (then) by chance they
should cease to fear the G-d who is over both of you; for He cometh,
not to call men with respect of persons, but He comes to those whom the
Ruach/Spirit has prepared. But you servants shall be subject unto your
masters, like unto an example concerning Elohim/G-d, in timidness and
deep respect.
     You shall hate all hypocrisy, and everything that is not pleasing
to the L-rd. Thou shalt never forsake the Mitzvot/Commandments of
Adonai-<the L-rd>: but shall keep those things which you have received,
neither adding to them, nor, taking away from them. In Edot/
Congregation you shall confess your transgressions, and shall not take
yourself to prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life!
5.> But the way of death is this: First of all, it is evil and full of
a curse; murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries,
magical arts, witchcrafts, plunderings, false witnessings, hypocrisies,
doubleness of heart, treachery, pride, malice, boastfulness;
persecutors of good men, hating truth, loving a lie, not perceiving the
reward of righteousness, not cleaving to the good, nor, to righteous
judgement, wakeful not for that which is good, but for that which is
evil; from whom gentleness and forbearance stand aloof; loving vain
things, pursuing a compensation/reward, not pitying the poor man, nor
toiling for him that is oppressed with toil, not recognizing Him that
made them, murderers of children, corrupters of the creatures of Elohim
/G-d, turning away from him that is in want, oppressing him that is
afflicted, advocates/defenders of the wealthy, unjust judges of the
poor: altogether sinful. May you be delivered, my children, from all
these things.
6.> Watch lest any man lead you astray from this way of righteousness,
for he teaches you apart from Elohim. For if you are able to bear the
whole yoke of the L-rd, you shall be perfect; but if you are not able,
do that which you are able.
     But concerning eating, bear that which you are able; yet abstain
by all means from meat sacrificed to idols; for it is the worship of
dead gods.
7.> But concerning Mikveh/Immersion, thus shall you immerse: Having
first recited all these things, immerse in the Name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of 'Ruach HaKodesh/the Holy Spirit' in living (running)
water. But if you have not living water, then immerse in other water;
and if you are not able in cold, then in warm. But if you have
neither, then pour water on the head three times in the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of Ruach HaKodesh. But before the Mikveh,
let him that immerseth and him that is immersed fast, and any others
also who are able; and you shall order him that is immersed to fast a
day or two before.
8.> And let not your fastings be with the hypocrites, for they fast
on the second and fifth day of the week; but you: do keep your fast on
the fourth and on the-Preparation-<the day before Shabbat> day.
Neither pray you as the hypocrites, but as the L-rd commanded in His
Good-News, thus pray you: Our Father which art in the Heavens,
hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done, as in the
Heavens, so also on earth; give us this day our daily bread; and
forgive us our debt, as we also forgive our debtors; and lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one; for Thine is the
power and the glory, forever and ever. Three times in the day pray
you so.
9.> But as touching the Communion thanksgiving, give you thanks thus;
First, as regards the cup: We give Thee thanks, O our Father, for the
holy vine of Thy son David, which You made known unto us through Thy
Son Yeshua/Jesus; Thine is the glory for ever and ever. Then, as
regards the broken bread: We give Thee thanks, O our Father, for the
life and knowledge which You did make known unto us through Thy Son
Yeshua; Thine is the glory forever and ever. As this broken bread was
scattered upon the mountains, and being gathered up together became
one, so may Thy Edot/Congregation be gathered together from the ends of
the earth into Thy Kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power
through Yeshua Mashiach/Messiah forever and ever. But let no one eat
or drink of this Communion thanksgiving, but they that have been
Immersed into the Name of the L-rd; for concerning this also the L-rd
has said: Give not that which is holy to the dogs.
10.> And after you are satisfied, thus give you thanks: We give Thee
thanks, Holy Father, for Thy holy Name, which You have made to
tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and
immortality, which You have made know unto us through Thy Son Yeshua;
Thine is the glory forever and ever. You, Almighty Master, did create
all things for Thy Name's sake, and did give food and drink unto men
for enjoyment, that they might render thanks to Thee; and did bestow
upon us spiritual food, and drink, and eternal life through Thy Son.
Before all things we give Thee thanks that You art powerful; Thine is
the glory forever and ever. Remember L-rd, Thy Edot/Congregation, to
deliver it from all evil, and to perfect it in Thy love; and to gather
it together from the four winds - Even the Edot/Congregation which has
been sanctified - into Thy kingdom which You have prepared for it; for
Thine is the power and the glory forever and ever. May grace come, and
may this world pass away. Hoshanna to the G-d of David. If any man is
holy, let him come; if any man is not, let him repent. Marana-ta,
Amaine.
11.> Whosoever therefore shall come and teach you all these things
that have been said before, receive him; but if the teacher himself be
perverted, and teach a different doctrine to the destruction thereof,
hear him not; but if to the increase of righteousness, and the
knowledge of the L-rd, receive him in a similar-manner/like the L-rd.
     But concerning the Emissaries-<Apostles> and Prophets, so do you
according to the ordinance of the Good-News. Let every Emissary, when
he comes to you, be received in a similar-manner/like the L-rd; but he
shall not abide more than a single day, or if there be need, a second
likewise; but if he abide three days, he is a false prophet. And when
he departs, let the Emissary receive nothing except bread, until he
find shelter; but if he asks (for) money, he is a false prophet. And
any Prophet, (when its truly known he is)-[NOTE below: approved and
found true], speaking in the Ruach/Spirit you shall not try neither
discern: -for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be
forgiven. Yet not everyone that speaks in the "S"-pirit is a Prophet,
but only if he has the ways of the L-rd. From his ways therefore the
false prophet and the Prophet shall be recognized. And no Prophet when
he orders a table in the Spirit shall eat of it; otherwise he is a
false prophet. And every Prophet teaching the truth, if he does not
what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every Prophet approved and
found true, if he does anything as an outward mystery, typical of the
Edot/Congregation, and yet teaches you not to do all that he himself
does, shall not be judged before you; he has his judgement in the
presence of Elohim/G-d; for in like manner also did the Prophets of old
time. And whosoever shall say in the "S"-pirit, give me silver or
anything else, you shall not listen to him; but if he tells you to give
on behalf of others that are in want, let no man judge him.
12.> But let everyone that comes in the Name of the L-rd be received;
and then when you have tested him, you shall know him, for you shall
have understanding on the right hand and on the left. If the one
coming is a traveller, assist him, so far as you are able; but he shall
not stay with you more than two or three days, if it be necessary. But
if he wishes to settle with you, being a craftsman, let him work for
and eat his bread. But if he has no craft, according to your wisdom
provide how he shall live as a Believer in Messiah among you, but not
in idleness. If he will not do this, he is trafficking upon Messiah.
Beware of such men.
13.> But every true Prophet desiring to settle among you is worthy of
his food. In like manner a true Teacher is also worthy, like the work-
man of his food. Every firstfruit then of the produce of the wine-vat
and of the threshing floor, of your oxen and of your sheep, you shall
take and give as the firstfruit to the Prophets; for they are your
head cohanim-<priests>. But if you have not a Prophet, give them to
the poor. If you make bread, take the firstfruit and give according
to the mitzvot/commandment. In like manner, when you open a jar of
wine or of oil, take the firstfruit and give to the Prophets; yea, and
of money and raiment and every possession take the firstfruit, as shall
seem good to you, and give according to the mitzvot/commandment.
14.> And on the L-rd's own day gather yourselves together and break
bread and give thanks, first confessing your transgressions, that your
sacrifice may be pure. And let no man, having his dispute with his
fellow (man), join your assembly until they have been reconciled, that
your sacrifice may not be defiled; for this sacrifice it is that was
spoken of by the L-rd: In every place and at every time offer Me a pure
sacrifice; for I am a great King, saith YHVH-<HaShem>, and My Name is
wonderful among the goyim/nations/gentiles.
15.> Appoint for yourselves therefore, Overseers-<Bishops> and
Shammashim-<Deacons> worthy of the L-rd, men who are meek and not
lovers of money, and true and approved; for unto you they also perform
the service of the Prophets and Teachers. Therefore despise them not;
for they are your honorable men, along with the Prophets and Teachers.
     And reprove one another, not in anger but in shalom, as you find
in the Good-News; and let no one speak to any that has gone wrong
towards his neighbor, neither let him hear a word from you, until he
repent. But your prayers and your almsgiving and all your deeds, so do
you as you find in the Good-News of our L-rd.
16.> Be watchful for your life; let your lamps not be quenched and
your loins not ungirded, but, be you ready; for you know not the hour
in which our L-rd cometh. And you shall gather yourselves together
frequently, seeking what is fitting for your souls; for the whole time
of your faith shall not profit you, if you be not perfected at the last
season. For in the last days the false prophets and corrupters shall
be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love
shall be turned into hate. For as violation of the Torah increases,
they shall hate one another, and shall persecute and betray. And then
the world-deceiver shall appear as a "s"on of "G"od; and shall work
signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands; and
he shall do unholy things, which have never been since the world began.
Then all created mankind shall come to the fire of testing, and many
shall be offended and perish; but they that endure in their faith shall
be saved by the (One who became the) Curse Himself. And then shall the
signs of the Truth appear; first a sign of a rift in the heaven, then a
sign of a voice of a trumpet, and thirdly a resurrection of the dead;
yet not of all, but as it was said: The L-rd shall come, and all His
sanctified-ones-<saints> with Him. Then shall the world see the L-rd
coming upon the clouds of heaven. (Amaine).

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