The Lord’s Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations.1
Chap. I. – The Two Ways; The First Commandment.
1 There are two ways,2 one of life and one of death; (Deu_30:15, Deu_30:19; Jer_21:8; Mat_7:13, Mat_7:14) but a great difference between the two ways.
2 The way of life, then, is this: First, thou shalt love God3 who made thee; second, thy neighbour as thyself; (Lev_19:18; Mat_22:37, Mat_22:39. Comp. Mar_12:30, Mar_12:31) and all things whatsoever thou wouldst should not occur to thee, thou also to another do not do. (Comp. Tobit 4:15; and Mat_7:12; Luk_6:31)
3 And of these sayings4 the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you.5 For what thank is there, if ye love them that love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same?6 But do ye love them that hate you; and ye shall not have an enemy.7
4 Abstain thou from fleshly and worldly lusts.8 If one give thee a blow upon thy right cheek, turn to him the other also; (Mat_5:39; Luk_6:29) and thou shalt be perfect. If one impress thee for one mile, go with him two. (Mat_5:41) If one take away thy cloak, give him also thy coat. (Mat_5:40; Luk_6:29) If one take from thee thine own, ask it not back,9 for indeed thou art not able.
5 Give to every one that asketh thee, and ask it not back;10 for the Father willeth that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts).11 Happy is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receiveth; for if one having need receiveth, he is guiltless; but he that receiveth not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement),12 he shall be examined concerning the things which he hath done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing. (Mat_5:26)
6 But also now concerning this, it hath been said, Let thine alms sweat13 in thy hands, until thou know to whom thou shouldst give.
Chap. II.14 – The Second Commandment: Gross Sin Forbidden.
1 And the second commandment of the Teaching;
2 Thou shalt not commit murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, (Exo_20:13, Exo_20:14) thou shalt not commit pæderasty,15 thou shalt not commit fornication, thou shalt not steal, (Exo_20:15) thou shalt not practise magic, thou shalt not practise witchcraft, thou shalt not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten.16 Thou shalt not covet the things of thy neighbour, (Exo_20:17)
3 thou shalt not forswear thyself, (Mat_5:34) thou shalt not bear false witness, (Exo_20:16) thou shalt not speak evil, thou shalt bear no grudge.17
4 Thou shalt not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for to be double-tongued is a snare of death.18
5 Thy speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed.19
6 Thou shalt not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. Thou shalt not take evil counsel against thy neighbour.20
7 Thou shalt not hate any man; but some thou shalt reprove,21 and concerning some thou shalt pray, and some thou shalt love more than thy own life.22
Chap. III.23 – Other Sins Forbidden.
1 My child,24 flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it.
2 Be not prone to anger, for anger leadeth the way to murder; neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper; for out of all these murders are engendered.
3 My child, be not a lustful one; for lust leadeth the way to fornication; neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye; for out of all these adulteries are engendered.
4 My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leadeth the way to idolatry; neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things; for out of all these idolatry is engendered.
5 My child, be not a liar, since a lie leadeth the way to theft; neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered.
6 My child, be not a murmurer, since it leadeth the way to blasphemy; neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered.
7 But be thou meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. (Mat_5:5)
8 Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which thou hast heard.25
9 Thou shalt not exalt thyself, (Comp. Luk_18:14) nor give over-confidence to thy soul. Thy soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse.
10 The workings that befall thee receive as good, knowing that apart from God nothing cometh to pass.26
Chap. IV.27 – Various Precepts.
1 My child, him that speaketh to thee the word of God remember night and day; and thou shalt honour him as the Lord;28 for in the place whence lordly rule is uttered,29 there is the Lord.
2 And thou shalt seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that thou mayest rest upon30 their words.
3 Thou shalt not long for31 division, but shalt bring those who contend to peace. Thou shalt judge righteously, thou shalt not respect persons in reproving for transgressions.
4 Thou shalt not be undecided whether it shall be or no.32
5 Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give.33
6 If thou hast aught, through thy hands thou shalt give ransom for thy sins.34
7 Thou shalt not hesitate to give, nor murmur when thou givest; for thou shalt know who is the good repayer of the hire.
8 Thou shalt not turn away from him that is in want, but thou shalt share all things with thy brother, and shalt not say that they are thine own; for if ye are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal?35
9 Thou shalt not remove thy hand from thy son or from thy daughter, but from their youth shalt teach them the fear of God. (Comp. Eph_6:4)
10 Thou shalt not enjoin aught in thy bitterness upon thy bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; (Comp. Eph_6:9; Col_4:1) for he cometh not to call according to the outward appearance, but unto them whom the Spirit hath prepared.
11 And ye bondmen shall be subject to your36 masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. (Comp. Eph_6:5; Col_3:22)
12 Thou shalt hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord.
13 Do thou in no wise forsake the commandments of the Lord; but thou shalt keep what thou hast received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. (Deu_12:32)
14 In the church37 thou shalt acknowledge thy transgressions, and thou shalt not come near for thy prayer38 with an evil conscience.39 This is the way of life.40
Chap. V.41 – The Way of Death.
1 And the way of death42 is this: First of all it is evil and full of curse:43 murders,44 adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rapines, false witnessings, hypocrisies, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness;
2 persecutors of the good,45 hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving46 to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing requital, not pitying a poor man, not labouring for the afflicted, not knowing Him that made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him that is in want, afflicting him that is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners.47 Be delivered, children, from all these.48
Chap. VI.49 – Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols.
1 See that no one cause thee to err50 from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teacheth thee.
2 For if thou art able to bear all the yoke51 of the Lord, thou wilt be perfect; but if thou art not able, what thou art able that do.
3 And concerning food,52 bear what thou art able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols53 be exceedingly on thy guard; for it is the service of dead gods.54
Chap. VII. – Concerning Baptism.
1 And concerning baptism,55 thus baptize ye:56 Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, (Mat_28:19) in living water.57
2 But if thou have not living water, baptize into other water; and if thou canst not in cold, in warm.
3 But if thou have not either, pour out water thrice58 upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit.
4 But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but thou shalt order the baptized to fast one or two days before.59
Chap. VIII.60 – Concerning Fasting and Prayer (The Lord’s Prayer).
1 But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites; (Comp. Mat_6:16) for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week; but do ye fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday).61
2 Neither pray as the hypocrites; but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel,62 thus pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us to-day our daily (needful) bread,63 and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever.64
3 Thrice in the day thus pray.65
Chap. IX.66 – The Thanksgiving (Eucharist).
1 Now concerning the Thanksgiving (Eucharist), thus give thanks.
2 First, concerning the cup:67 We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant,68 which Thou madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever.
3 And concerning the broken bread:69 We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which Thou madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever.
4 Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills,70 and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom;71 for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever.
5 But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving (Eucharist), but they who have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord hath said, Give not that which is holy to the dogs.(Mat_7:6)
Chap. X.72 – Prayer After Communion.
1 But after ye are filled,73 thus give thanks:
2 We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which Thou didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which Thou madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever.
3 Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name’s sake; Thou gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us Thou didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant.74
4 Before all things we thank Thee that Thou art mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever.
5 Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou hast prepared for it;75 for Thine is the power and the glory for ever.
6 Let grace come, and let this world pass away.76 Hosanna to the God (Son)77 of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent.78 Maran atha.79 Amen.
7 But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.80
Chap. XI.81 – Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets.
1 Whosoever, therefore, cometh and teacheth you all these things that have been said before, receive him.82
2 But if the teacher himself turn83 and teach another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not; but if he teach so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord.
3 But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do.
4 Let every apostle that cometh to you be received as the Lord.84
5 But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet.
6 And when the apostle goeth away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodgeth;85 but if he ask money, he is a false prophet.
7 And every prophet that speaketh in the Spirit86 ye shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.87
8 But not every one that speaketh in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he hold the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known.
9 And every prophet who ordereth a meal88 in the Spirit eateth not from it, except indeed he be a false prophet;
10 and every prophet who teacheth the truth, if he do not what he teacheth, is a false prophet.
11 And every prophet, proved true,89 working unto the mystery of the Church in the world,90 yet not teaching others to do what he himself doeth, shall not be judged among you, for with God he hath his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets.
12 But whoever saith in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, ye shall not listen to him; but if he saith to you to give for others’ sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
Chap. XII.91 – Reception of Christians.
1 But let every one that cometh in the name of the Lord be received,92 and afterward ye shall prove and know him; for ye shall have understanding right and left.
2 If he who cometh is a wayfarer, assist him as far as ye are able; but he shall not remain with you, except for two or three days, if need be.
3 But if he willeth to abide with you, being an artisan, let him work and eat; (Comp. 2Th_3:10)
4 but if he hath no trade, according to your understanding see to it that, as a Christian,93 he shall not live with you idle.
5 But if he willeth not to do, he is a Christ-monger.94 Watch that ye keep aloof from such.
Chap. XIII.95 – Support of Prophets.
1 But every true prophet that willeth to abide among you96 is worthy of his support.97
2 So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. (Mat_10:10; comp. Luk_10:7)
3 Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, thou shalt take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests.98
4 But if ye have not a prophet, give it to the poor.
5 If thou makest a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment.
6 So also when thou openest a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets;
7 and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to thee, and give according to the commandment.
Chap. XIV.99 – Christian Assembly on the Lord’s Day.
1 But every Lord’s day100 do ye gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions,101 that your sacrifice may be pure.102
2 But let no one that is at variance103 with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned.
3 For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice;104 for I am a great King, saith the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.105
Chap. XV.106 – Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof.
1 Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, (Comp. 1Ti_3:4) and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service107 of prophets and teachers.
2 Despise them not therefore, for they are your honoured ones, together with the prophets and teachers.
3 And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as ye have it in the Gospel; (Comp. Mat_18:15-17) but to every one that acts amiss108 against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear aught from you until he repent.
4 But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as ye have it in the Gospel of our Lord.109
Chap. XVI.110 – Watchfulness; The Coming of the Lord.
1 Watch for your life’s sake.111 Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed;112 but be ye ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. (Mat_24:42)
2 But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you,113 if ye be not made perfect in the last time.
3 For in the last days114 false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; (Comp. Mat_24:11, Mat_24:12)
4 for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, (Comp. Mat_24:10) and then shall appear the world-deceiver115 as Son of God,116 and shall do signs and wonders,117 and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning.
5 Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial,118 and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved119 from under the curse itself.120
6 And then shall appear the signs of the truth;121 first, the sign of an out-spreading122 in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead;
7 yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him.123
8 Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.124
Elucidations.
I.
(Thus baptize ye)
If we compare this chapter with the corresponding one in the Apostolic Constitutions, the Teaching seems to me to be a somewhat abridged form of a common original. This being designed for the catechumens, there is an omission of what they are afterwards to know. A form originally drawn up for clergy and people has been very inartificially expurgated for the instruction of young disciples. This appears from the ninth chapter (p. 380), where only certain receptive or responsive forms are given. The liturgy of the Apostolic Constitutions, book viii., embodies what was studiously kept from all but the τέλειοι, i.e., those “of full age.”
II.
(Concerning apostles, note 81.)
The reference to “apostles,” probably itinerant, in Rev_2:2, corresponds with this. There were officers known in the Apostolic day (compare 2Co_8:23, Greek) as ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν, for the pseud-apostles of the Apocalypse could not have pretended what they did had it been otherwise. Neither would it have been needful to “try those who said they were apostles,” in that case: the mere assertion of such a pretence would have sufficiently convicted them.
The very childish directions (suited to mere catechumens) given in the text illustrates Rev_2:2, and is, so far, evidence of the very early origin of the Teaching.
The name apostles was made technical by Christ Himself: “He named them Apostles” (Luk_6:13). And the word is never used in the loose way which Bishop Lightfoot hazardously suggests, as I must venture to believe.
III.
(Incipient fanaticism, note 90.)
Unquestionably, for even in St. Paul’s day his admonitions imply nothing less. See 1Co_14:1-40, passim. But, as in the Introductory Notice125 I hinted my suspicions of incipient Montanism in the Teaching, so I am strengthened in this idea by the learned critic to whose note I venture to append this remark for the purpose of asking a reference to my annotations of Hermas in vol. 2. of this series. May I also ask a reference to the same volume, pp. 4, 5, and 6? The “meal” (note 88, p. 380) of the Teaching is doubtless the Agape, which had been abused at so early a day, that St. Peter (2Pe_2:13. Comp. 1Jo_4:1) himself was forced to denounce the “false prophets” who polluted this feast of charity.
FOOTNOTES
1 The longer title is supposed to be the original one: the shorter, a popular abridgment. The latter has no real connection with Act_2:42. Many hold that the term “nations” (or “Gentiles”) points to a Jewish Christian as the author (so Byrennios), though this is denied by others (so Brown). A similar diversity of opinion exists as to the class of readers: but, if the early date is accepted, the more probable theory is, that the first part at least of the manual was for the instruction of catechumens of Gentile birth (so Byrennios, Schaff). Others extend it to Gentile Christians.
2 This phrase connects the book with the Duæ Viæ; see Introductory Notice. Barnabas has “light” and “darkness” for “life” and “death.”
3 Comp. Deu_6:5, which is fully cited in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 2, though the verb here is more exactly cited from LXX.
4 These Old Testament commands are thus taught by the Lord.
5 Mat_5:44. But the last clause is added, and is of unknown origin; not found in Apostolic Constitutions.
6 Mat_5:46, Mat_5:47; Luk_6:32. The two passages are combined.
7 So Apostolic Constitutions. Comp. 1Pe_3:13.
8 1Pe_2:11. The Codex has σωματικῶν, “bodily;” but editors correct to κοσμικῶν.
9 Luk_6:30. The last clause is a peculiar addition; “art not able,” since thou art a Christian; otherwise it is a commonplace observation.
10 Luk_6:30. The rest of the sentence is explained by the parallel passage in Apostolic Constitutions, which cites Mat_5:45.
11 Byrennios finds a parallel (or citation) in Hermas, Commandment Second, p. 20, vol. 2. Ante-Nicene Fathers. The remainder of this chapter has no parallel in Apostolic Constitutions.
12 Gr. ἐν συνοχῇ. Probably = imprisonment; see next clause.
13 Codex: ἱδωτάτω, which in this connection is unintelligible. Bryrennios corrects into ἱδρωσάτω, rendered as above. There are various other conjectural emendations. The verse probably forbids indiscriminate charity, pointing to an early abuse of Christian liberality.
14 The chapter, except this opening sentence and part of verse 7, is found in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 2-5; but the precepts are separated and enlarged upon.
15 Or, “corrupt boys,” as in the version of the Apostolic Constitutions.
16 Comp. Exo_21:22, Exo_21:23. The Codex reads γεννηθέντα, which Schaff renders “the new-born child.” Bryennios substitutes γεννηθέν, which is accepted by most editors, and rendered as above.
17 Rendered “nor shalt thou be mindful of injuries” in version of Apostolic Constitutions.
18 So Barnabas, xix.
19 Verse 5, except the first clause, occurs only here.
20 Latter half of verse 6 in Barnabas, xix.
21 Lev_19:17; Apostolic Constitutions.
22 Or, “soul.” The last part of the clause is found in Barnabas; but “and concerning some . . . pray, and some” has no parallel. An interesting verse in literary history.
23 About one-half of the matter of this chapter is to be found, in well-nigh the same order, scattered through Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 6-8. The precepts are aimed at minor sins, and require no particular comment. This chapter has the largest number of Greek words not found in the New Testament.
24 The address “my child” does not occur in the parallel passages.
25 Isa_66:2, Isa_66:5; Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 8.
26 Ecclus. 2:4. So Byrennios. Comp. last part of Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 8.
27 This chapter, with the exception of a few clauses and words, is found in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 9-17. There are verbal variations, but the order is exact. In Barnabas not so much of the matter is found. There is, however, even greater verbal agreement in many cases, though the order is quite different. Two important clauses (verses 8, 14) find an exact parallel only in Barnabas. One phrase in peculiar to the Teaching; see ver. 14.
28 Comp. Heb_13:7. In Apostolic Constitutions there is a transposition of words.
29 Schaff: “The Lordship is spoken of.” Apostolic Constitutions, “where the doctrine concerning God is,” etc.
30 Or, “acquiesce in” (Apostolic Constitutions).
31 Some read ποιήσεις, “make,” as in Apostolic Constitutions and Barnabas, instead of ποθήσεις, Codex.
32 Comp. Ecclus. 1:28. The verse occurs in Barnabas; and in Apostolic Constitutions “in thy prayer” is inserted, which is probably the sense here.
33 Ecclus. 4:31. The Greek word συσπῶν occurs here and in Barnabas, but not in Apostolic Constitutions.
34 Apostolic Constitutions adds, in explanation, Pro_16:6.
35 Comp. Act_4:32; Rom_15:27. The latter half of the verse is in Barnabas (not in Apostolic Constitutions), but with the substitution of “incorruptible” and “corruptible.”
36 Codex reads “our;” editors correct to “your.”
37 “In the congregation;” i.e., assembly of believers. This phrase is omitted in both Barnabas and Apostolic Constitutions. Comp. Jam_5:16.
38 Or, “to thy place of prayer” (Schaff).
39 So Barnabas; but Apostolic Constitutions, “in the day of thy bitterness.”
40 So Apostolic Constitutions; but Barnabas, “the way of light.” See note on chap. i. 1.
41 This chapter finds nearly exact parallels in Barnabas, xx., and Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 18, but with curious variations.
42 Barnabas has “darkness,” but afterwards “way of eternal death.”
43 Not in Apostolic Constitutions, and no exact parallel in Barnabas.
44 Of the twenty-two sins named in this verse, Barnabas gives fourteen in differing order, and in the singular; Apostolic Constitutions gives all but one (υψος, “loftiness,” “haughtiness”), in the same order, and with the same change from plural to singular.
45 This verse appears almost word for word in Barnabas, with two additional clauses.
46 The Apostolic Constitutions give a parallel from this point; verbally exact from the phrase, “not for that which is good.”
47 The word πανθαμαρτητοι occurs only here, and in the parallel passage in Barnabas (rendered in this edition “who are in every respect transgressors,” vol. 1. p. 149), and in Apostolic Constitutions (rendered “full of sin”). A similar term occurs in the recently recovered portion of Clement, xviii., where Bishop Lightfoot renders, as above, “an utter sinner.”
48 Found verbatim in Apostolic Constitutions, not in Barnabas; with the latter there is no further parallel, except for a few phrases in chap. xvi. 2, 3 (which see).
49 Of this chapter, two phrases and one entire clause are found in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 19-21.
50 Comp. Mat_24:4 (Greek); Revised Version, “lead you astray;” Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 19.
51 Or, “the whole yoke.” Those who accept the Jewish-Christian authorship refer this to the ceremonial law. It seems quite as likely to mean ascetic regulations. Of these there are many traces, even in the New Testament churches.
52 Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 20, begins with a similar phrase, but is explicitly against asceticism in this respect. The precepts here do not indicate any such spirit as that opposed by Paul.
53 Comp. Act_15:20, Act_15:29; 1Co_8:4, etc., 1Co_10:18, etc. (Rom_14:20 refers to ascetic abstinence.) This prohibition had a necessary permanence; comp. Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 21.
54 Comp. the same phrase in 2 Clement, iii. This chapter closes the first part of the Teaching, that supposed to be intended for catechumens. The absence of doctrinal statement does not necessarily prove the existence of a circle of Gentile Christians where the Pauline theology was unknown. If such a circle existed, emphasizing the ethical side of Christianity to the exclusion of its doctrinal basis, it disappeared very soon. From the nature of the case, that kind of Christianity is intellectually weak and necessarily short-lived.
55 Verse 1 is found, well-nigh entire, in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 22, but besides this only a few words of 1Co_10:2 and 1Co_10:4. The chapter has naturally called out much discussion as to the mode of baptism.
56 [Elucidation I.]
57 Probably running water.
58 The previous verses point to immersion; this permits pouring in certain cases, which indicates that this mode was not unknown. The trine application of the water, and its being poured on the head, are both significant.
59 The fasting of the baptized is enjoined in Apostolic Constitutions, but that of the baptizer (and others) is peculiar to this document.
60 The entire chapter is found almost verbatim in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 23, 24.
61 The reasons for fasting on Wednesday and Friday are given in Apostolic Constitutions (the days of betrayal and of burial). Monday and Thursday were the Jewish fast-days. The word “Preparation” (day before the Jewish sabbath) occurs in Mat_27:62, etc., and for some time retained a place in Christian literature.
62 Mat_6:5, Mat_6:9-13. This form of the Lord’s Prayer is evidently cited from Matthew, not from Luke. The textual variations are slight. The citation is of importance, as proving that the writer used this Gospel, and that the liturgical use of the Lord’s Prayer was common.
63 On this phrase, comp. Revised Version, Mat_6:11; Luk_11:3 (text, margin, and American appendix).
64 The variation in the form of the doxology confirms the judgment of textual criticism, which omits it in Mat_6:13. All early liturgical literature tends in the same direction; comp. Apostolic Constitutions, vii, 24.
65 This is in accordance with Jewish usage. Dan_6:10; Psa_55:17. Comp. Act_3:24.
66 The eucharistic prayers of this and the following chapter are only partially reproduced in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 25, 26; that of verse 2 has no parallel.
67 This is a variation from the order of the New Testament and of all known liturgies; probably this led to its omission in Apostolic Constitutions. The word “for” may be substituted for “concerning” here and in verse 3. [Possibly a response for recipients.]
68 Peculiar to this passage, but derived from a common scriptural figure and from the paschal formula. Comp. especially Joh_15:1; Mat_26:29; Mar_14:25.
69 The word κλάσμα is found in the accounts of the feeding of the multitude. (Mat_14:20, Mat_15:37, and parallels); it was naturally applied to the broken bread of the Eucharist.
70 This reference to “hills,” or “mountains,” is used as an argument against the Egyptian origin of the Teaching.
71 This part of the verse is found in Apostolic Constitutions. Schaff properly calls attention to the distinction here made between “Thy Church” and “Thy kingdom.”
72 This post-communion thanksgiving is found in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 26, but with many omissions, alterations, and additions. Still, the correspondence in thought and language is very remarkable. Schaff cites a similar prayer at the Passover (after the Hallel cup).
73 “After the participation” (Apostolic Constitutions) points to a distinct eucharistic service. Here the Lord’s Supper is evidently connected with the Agape [a noteworthy suggestion]; comp. 1Co_11:20-22, 1Co_11:33. This is an evidence of early date; comp. Justin Martyr, Apol., i. chaps. 64-66, where the Lord’s Supper is shown to be distinct.
74 This last clause has no parallel in Apostolic Constitutions, and points to an earlier and more spiritual conception of the Eucharist. Verse 4 also is peculiar to this passage.
75 The above rendering follows Bryennios; that of Harnack (formerly accepted by Hall and Napier) is: “Gather it, sanctified, from the four winds” recalls Mat_24:31.
76 This is peculiar; but comp. 1Co_7:31 for the last clause.
77 The Codex reads τῷ θεῷ, whichBryennios alters to τῷ ὑιῷ. The former is the more diffcult reading, and is defended by Harnack.
78 This exhortation indicates a mixed assembly: acomp. Apostolic Constitutions. [If so, it belongs to the Agape.]
79 1Co_16:22, Revised Version, margin: “That is, our Lord cometh.” Comp. Rev_22:20.
80 A limitation as compared with 1Co_14:29, 1Co_14:31, and yet indicating a combination of extemporaneous devotion with the liturgical form. The verse prepares the way for the next chapter.
81 The Apostolic Constitutions (vii. 27) present scarcely any parallel to this chapter, which points to an earlier period, when ecclesiastical polity was less developed, and the travelling “Apostles” and “Prophets” here spoken of were numerous. [Elucidation II.]
82 This refers to all teachers, more fully described afterwards.
83 Lit. “being turned;” i.e., turned from the truth, perverted.
84 Mat_10:40. The mention of apostles here has caused much discussion, but there are many indications that travelling evangelists were thus termed for some time after the apostolic age. Bishop Lightfoot has shown, that, even in the New Testment, a looser use of the term applied it to others than the Twelve. Comp. Rom_16:7; 1Co_15:5, 1Co_15:7 (?); Gal_1:19; 1Th_2:6; also, as applied to Barnabas, Act_14:4, Act_14:14.
85 Reach a place where he can lodge.
86 Under the influence of the charismatic gift spoken of in 1Co_12:3; 1Co_14:2. Another indication of an early date.
87 Probably a reference to the sin against the Holy Spirit. Mat_12:31, Mat_12:32; Mar_3:29, Mar_3:30.
88 Probably a love-feast, commanded by the prophet in his peculiar utterance.
89 ἀληθινός, “genuine.”
90 ποιῶν εἰς μυστήριον κοσμικὸν ἐκκλησίας, “working unto a worldly mystery of (the) Church,” or “making assemblies for a worldly mystery.” Either rendering is grammatical: neither is very intelligible. The paraphrase in the above version presents one leading view of this difficult passage: the mystery is the Church, and a worldly one, because the Church is in the world. The other leading view joins ἐκκλησίας (as accusative) with ποιῶν, “making assemblies for a worldly mystery.” So Bryennios, who regards the worldly mystery as a symbolical act of the prophet. Others suggest, as the mystery for which the assemblies are called, revelation of future events, celibacy, the Eucharist, the ceremonial law. It seems, at all events, to point to incipient fanaticism on the part of the prophets of those days. [Elucidation III.] This was likely to take the form either of asceticism or of extravagant predictions and mystical fancies about the Church in the world. Did we know the place and the time more accurately, we might decide which was meant. This caution was evidently needed; Let God judge such extravagances.
91 Verse 1 is almost identical with the beginning of Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 28; the remaining verses have no parallel.
92 All professed Christians are meant.
93 The term occurs only here in the Teaching.
94 “Christ trafficker.” The abuse of Christian fellowship and hospitality naturally followed the remarkable extension of Christianity. This expressive term was coined to designate the class of idlers who would make gain out of their professed Christianity. It occurs in the longer form of the Ignatian Epistles (Tertullian, vi.) and in literature of the fourth century.
95 A large part of this chapter is found in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 28, 29, but with modifications and additions indicating a later date.
96 “Who will settle among you” (Hitchcock and Brown). The itinerant prophets might become stationary, we infer. Chaps. xi.-xv. point to a movement from an itinerant and extraordinary ministry to a more settled one.
97 Lit., “nourishment,” “food.”
98 This phrase, indicating a sacerdotal view of the ministry, seems to point to a late date than that claimed for the Teaching. Some regard it as an interpolation: others take it in a figurative sense. In Apostolic Constitutions the sacerdotal view is more marked. [1Pe_2:9. If the plebs = “priests,” prophets = “high priest.”] Here the term is restricted to the prophets; compare Schaff in loco.
99 Verses 1 and 3 are given substantially in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 30. This chapter would seem to belong more properly before chap. viii.; but the same order is followed in Apostolic Constitutions, – a remarkable proof of literary connection.
100 Comp. Rev_1:10. Here the full form is κατὰ κυρικὴν δὲ Κυρίου. If the early date is allowed, this verse confirms the view that from the first the Lord’s Day was observed, and that, too, by a eucharistic celebration.
101 Comp. chap. iv. 14. No parallel in Apostolic Constitutions.
102 On this spiritual sense of “sacrifice,” comp. Rom_12:1; Phi_2:17; Heb_13:15; 1Pe_2:5.
103 “That hath the (or, any) dispute” (ἀμφιβολίαν); comp. Mat_5:23, Mat_5:24.
104 [See Mal_1:11. See Irenæus, cap. xvii. 5, vol. 1. p. 484.]
105 Mal_1:11, Mal_1:14. Quoted in Apostolic Constitutions and by several Ante-Nicene Fathers, with the same reference to the Eucharist.
106 The larger part of verse 1, and a clause from verses 2, 3, respectively, are found in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 31. Verses 1, 2, both in the use of terms and in the Church polity indicated, point to an early date: (1) There are evident marks of a transition from extraordinary to ordinary ministers. (2) The distinction between bishops and elders does not appear [1Pe_5:1. Vol. 1. p. 16, this series], and yet it is found in Ignatius. (3) The word χειροτονέω is here used in the sense of “elect” or “appoint” (by show of hands), and not in that of “ordain” (by laying on of hands). The former is the New-Testament sense (Act_14:23; 2Co_8:19), also in Ignatius: the latter sense is found in Apostolic Canons, i. (4) The choice by the people also indicates an early period.
107 Or, “ministry.” This clause and the following verse indicate that the extraordinary ministers were as yet more highly regarded.
108 The word ἀστοχέω, occuring here, means “to miss the mark;” in New Testament, “to err” or, “swerve.” See 1Ti_1:6, 1Ti_6:21; 2Ti_2:18.
109 The reference here is probably to the Sermon on the Mount: Matt. 5-7, especially to Mat_6:1-34.
110 The resemblance between this chapter and Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 31, 32, is mainly in order of topics and in the identity of some phrases and terms. Verses 3 and 4 (to the word “world-deceiver”) are reproduced almost verbatim. That the writer of the Teaching used Mat_24:1-51 is extremely probable, but the connection of Apostolic Constitutions with this passage is evident. In Barnabas, iv. there are a few corresponding phrases.
111 Or, “over your life;” the clause occurs verbatim in Apostolic Constitutions.
112 Comp. Luk_12:35, which is exactly cited in Apostolic Constitutions.
113 Here Barnabas, iv., furnishes a parallel.
114 This reference to the last days as present or impending is an evidence of the early dat; comp. Barnabas, iv., and many passages in the New Testament. The mistake has been in measuring God’s prophetic chronology by our mathematical standard of years.
115 ὁ κοσμοπλάνος, found only here and in Apostolic Constitutions, vii, 32. Comp. 2Th_2:3, 2Th_2:4, 2Th_2:8; Rev_12:9.
116 Not found in Apostolic Constitutions. The expression plainly implies the belief that Jesus Christ was Son of God.
117 Comp. Mat_24:24. The rest of the verse has no parallel.
118 Comp. 1Pe_4:12, where πύρωσις also occurs.
119 Comp. Mat_10:22 and similar passages; none of them directly cited here.
120 ὑπ ̓ αὐτοῦ τοῦ καταθέματος, “from under the curse itself,” namely, that which has just been described. Bryennios and others render “by the curse Himself;” that is, Christ, whom they were tempted to revile. All other interpretations either rest on textual emendations or are open to grammatical objections. Of the two given above, that of Hall and Napier seems preferable.
121 “Truth” might refer to Christ Himself, but the personal advent is spoken of in verse 8; it is better, then, to refer it to the truth respecting the parousia held by the early Christians. For this belief they were mocked, and hence dwelf upon it and the prophecies respecting it. The verse is probably based upon Mat_24:30, Mat_24:31; but some find here, as in verse 4, an allusion to Paul’s eschatological statements in the Epistles to the Thessalonians.
122 Professor Hall now prefers to render ἐκπετάεως, “outspreading,” instead of “unrolling,” as in his version originally. Hitchcock and Brown, Schaff, and others, prefer “opening;” that is, the apparent opening in heaven through which the Lord will descend. “outspreading” is usually explained (so Professor Hall) as meaning the expanded sign of the cross in the heavens, the patristic interpretation of Mat_24:30. Bryennios and Farrar refer it to the flying forth of the saints to meet the Lord. There are other interpretations based on textual emendations. As the word is very rare, it is difficult to determine the exact sense. “Opening” seems lexically allowable and otherwise free from objection.
123 Zec_14:5. This citation is given substantially in Apostolic Constitutions. As here used, it seems to point to the first resurrection. Comp. 1Th_4:17; 1Co_15:23; Rev_20:5. Probably it is based upon the Pauline eschatology rather than upon that of the Apocalypse. At all events, there is no allusion to the millennial statement of the later. Since there was in the early Church, in connection with the expectation of the speedy coming of Christ, a marked tendency to Chiliasm, the silence respecting the millennium may indicate that the writer was not acquainted with the Apocalypse. This inference is allowable, however, only on the assumption of the early date of the Teaching.
124 Comp. Mat_24:30. The conclusion is abrupt, and in Apostolic Constitutions the New-Testament doctrine of future punishmentand reward is added. The absence of all reference to the destruction of Jerusalem would indicate that some time had elapsed since that event. An interval of from thirty to sixty years may wll be claimed.
125 P. 371, supra.