Rediscovered in 1873, the Didache provides a glimpse of early Christian ritual and liturgy. It is the very first manual for Christian life. Here Clayton Jefford presents parallel translations of the original-language manuscripts – from Greek, Latin, Coptic, Ethiopic, and Georgian. His detailed introduction places the Didache in its historical context, and cross references and notes on sources enable in-depth study.

Polebridge Press
November 2013
80 pages, paperback
ISBN: 978-1-59815-126-8

“An outstanding resource from North America’s leading Didache scholar. A crisp, fresh translation, helpful notes, and a compact bibliography make this the ideal student’s companion to the Didache. Jefford’s unique expertise also makes it an essential item on any serious scholar’s bookshelf.”

—Stephen J. Patterson, Willamette University

“This new translation and introduction to the Didache combines an impressive breadth of resources with depth of analysis and insight. Because it preserves some of the earliest evidence of early Christian liturgy, practice, and popular belief, the Didache is a perennially fascinating document, but because it is preserved in a number of exotic languages, non-specialist access has been problematic. Jefford’s accessible multi-column format helps overcome that hurdle, and the result is a welcome guide to this significant early Christian document.”

—Michael W. Holmes, Bethel University