The Didache: A Commentary (Apostolic Fathers Commentary Series | AFCS)

by Shawn J. Wilhite

Publisher:

Cascade

, 2019

Overview

The Apostolic Fathers Commentary Series aims to complement the study of early Christianity through historical, literary, and theological readings of the Apostolic Fathers. Writers of the AFCS volumes seek to be mindful of critical scholarship while commenting on a final-form text. Shawn J. Wilhite’s commentary on the Didache includes a brief introduction to the Didache, the use of Scripture by the Didachist, and the theology of the Didache. The commentary proceeds section by section with a close ear to the text of the Didache, relevant early Christian literature, and current scholarship.

Key Features

• Examines the relationship of the Didache to Scripture and its role within the tradition
• Engages the crucial issue of the Didache’s theology within context
• Provides sound historical background and interpretation of materials

Contents

• Part I: Introductory Articles
• An Introduction to the Didache
• The Reception of Sacred Scripture in the Didache
• The Theology of the Didache
• Part II: Commentary on the Didache

Top Highlights

“In early Christianity, the Didache appears in canon lists, functions as Scripture, and is used in catechisms.” (Page 10)

“As the Didache often reflects a late first- or early second-century social setting, the manuscript tradition does not model such a date, and is, in fact, quite varied in terms of MS dates. Some direct MS witnesses survive, but the only surviving and generally complete MS dates to the mid-eleventh century (Codex Hierosolymitanus [H54]).” (Page 6)

“In the Anglophone world, the ‘most readily available’ and ‘widely used’ editions of the Apostolic Fathers are Bart Ehrman’s entry in the Loeb Classical Library (2003) and Michael Holmes’s thorough revision of Lightfoot and Harmer’s work, now in its third edition (2007).” (Page xi)

“The works of the Apostolic Fathers offer a remarkable window into early (especially second-century) Christianity, as communities forged their religious and social identities within the broader Graeco-Roman culture.” (Page ix)

“Otherwise, it could be argued that Clement makes use of a Two Ways tractate similar to the Didache and not the Didache as we currently have it.” (Page 10)

Praise for the Print Edition

Wilhite’s introduction is thoughtfully balanced—elucidating the beliefs, practices, and authoritative texts of the Didachean community as seen synchronically through the window of the Jerusalem manuscript, while still acknowledging the questions concerning, and engaging the critical scholarship on, the ‘journey’ of the text and the communities along the way. Most refreshingly, he is not afraid to think outside the box, and I found myself forced to reconsider points I thought long settled.

—Nancy D. Pardee, University of Chicago

In this introductory commentary Wilhite spills his extensive knowledge of primary and secondary sources, including the most reliable recent studies, in a volume of value to specialists and nonspecialists alike. This prized contribution imparts a freshness and urgency rarely encountered in works on the Apostolic Fathers. I recommend it without qualification

—Clare K. Rothschild, Lewis University

Though intended as an introductory commentary on the Didache, not only does Wilhite’s book provide an entrée into the backgrounds, contents, theology, and reception of the Didache, it also steers a reliable path through the critical thickets that currently surround its interpretation. All of this makes the book a valuable companion to the study of the Didache, and a worthy contribution to this exciting new series on the Apostolic Fathers.

—Charles E. Hill, Reformed Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Didache: A Commentary
• Author: Shawn J. Wilhite
• Series: Apostolic Fathers Commentary
• Volume: 1
• Publisher: Cascade
• Print Publication Date: 2019
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Didache › Criticism, interpretations, etc; Church › History of doctrines--Early church, ca. 30-600; Christian ethics › History--Early church, ca 30-600
• ISBNs: 9781498205108, 9781498205122, 9781498205115, 9781598151268, 9781628370485, 9781628370492, 9781628370508, 1498205100, 1498205127, 1498205119, 1598151266, 1628370483, 1628370491, 1628370505
• Resource ID: LLS:DIDACHEACOMM
• Resource Type: Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:18:14Z

About Shawn J. Wilhite

Shawn J. Wilhite received a PhD in New Testament and a ThM in Patristics from Southern Seminary. He is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University and PhD candidate in Patristics at Durham University. He is director and research fellow for the Center for Ancient Christian Studies.