This English edition of the Didache is based on the translation of James Donaldson and Alexander Roberts. I have used modern English for this version. I also consulted with other translations, including, but not limited to:
J.B. LightfootSentences have been converted to verses for easier reference. In some instances I have used "YHWH" instead of "Lord" where appropriate. The use of "YHWH" is based on research that indicates the Didache was likely originally written in Aramaic (Syriac) which uses "Yah" for the Name of God similar to how "Yah" appears in "Hallelu-Yah". I have also used the Hebrew-Aramaic name "Yeshua" instead of "Jesus" to be consistent with the use of Hebraic terms.
In Chapter 8, I have used George Lamsa's Aramaic translation of the Lord's Prayer, which I have rendered in modern English.
Reference notes have been placed below the verses, appearing in a yellow/gold box.
The Didache in English - Study VersionFeel free to quote from any of the passages (and/or notes where applicable) in your works but please ask permission before copying, reprinting in commercial and non-commercial projects or hosting on web sites.
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"Your soul shall associate with lofty ones, but with righteous and meek ones shall you have discourse." (Didache 3:15, Didache in English - Study Version, Copyright 2011-2018, Frank Evans. Used with permission. http://assemblyofjerusalem.org/ )
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1 There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but there is a great difference between the two ways.
2 The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love YHWH your God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you.
The four Hebrew letters "YHWH" - the Name of God. This is rendered as "Yah" or "Mar Yah" (the Lord YHWH) in Aramaic (Syriac). Others translate the Name as "Yahweh," "Yehovah," "Yehowah," or "Jehovah."
These two statements are directly from the Bible. "You shall love YHWH your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Yeshua quoted these passages as can be seen in Matthew 22:34-40... "But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him: Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And he said to him, You shall love YHWH your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like it is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets."
3 And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you.
"But I say to you: Love your enemies; and bless him that curses you; and do good to him that hates you; and pray for them that lead you in bonds, and that persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
4 For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the nations do the same?
Compare Matthew 5:47
5 But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy.
6 Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts.
"Blessed is the man who endures temptations; so that when he is proved he may receive a crown of life, which God has promised to them that love him...The spirit dwelling in us lusts with envy." (James 1:12; 4:5)
"The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes." (Proverbs 21:10)
7 If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect.
"If a person strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39)
8 If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two.
9 If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat.
10 If someone takes from you what is yours, do not ask it to be returned, for indeed you are not able.
11 Give to every one who asks you, and do not ask it to be returned; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings.
12 Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless.
13 Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless.
14 However, he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what.
15 And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny.
"Truly I say to you, You will not come out from there until you have paid the last cent." (Matthew 5:26)
16 And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.
"But when making alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does: that your alms may be in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:3,4)
1 And the second commandment of the Teaching:
2 You shall not commit murder.
See Exodus 20:6
3 You shall not commit adultery.
See Exodus 20:7
4 You shall not commit pederasty.
From the Greek paiderastÃa, and in a modern sense, this can be associated with child sex abuse (male or female and not necessarily of a homosexual nature). This was a common practice among older men in ancient Greek society and is expressly forbidden by believers.
5 You shall not commit fornication.
6 You shall not steal.
7 You shall not practice magic.
8 You shall not practice witchcraft.
9 You shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born.
In ancient Greek society it was a common practice to throw away female children. We can compare this to modern day society's practice to toss unwanted children and infants in the trash. This practice is expressly forbidden for those who profess to be believers.
10 You shall not covet the things of your neighbor.
See Exodus 20:10
11 You shall not swear.
12 You shall not bear false witness.
See Exodus 20:9
13 You shall not speak evil.
14 You shall bear no grudge.
15 You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is a snare of death.
16 Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed.
17 You shall not be covetous.
18 You shall not be greedy.
or "You shall not be taking more than what you actually need"
19 You shall not be a hypocrite.
20 You shall not be evil disposed.
21 You shall not be haughty.
22 You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor.
23 You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.
1 My child, flee from every evil thing, and from everything related to it.
2 Do not be prone to anger, for anger leads to murder.
3 Neither shall you be jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are born.
"From where does this fighting and broils that are among you come from? Is it not from the lusts, which war in your members? You covet, and do not possess; and you murder, and envy, and effect nothing: and you fight and make attacks; and you have nothing, because you have not asked." (James 4:1,2)
4 My child, do not be a lustful one, for lust leads to fornication.
5 Neither shall you be a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries are born.
"Therefore, remove far from yourselves all impurity, and the abundance of wickedness; and, with meekness, receive the word that is implanted in our nature, which is able to vivify these your souls." (James 1:21)
6 My child, do not be an observer of omens, since it leads to idolatry.
"Thus says YHWH, 'Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations are dismayed at them.'" (Jeremiah 10:2)
7 Neither shall you be an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is born.
8 My child, do not be a liar, since a lie leads to theft.
9 Neither shall you be money-loving, nor excessive in vanity or boastfulness, for out of all these thefts are born.
10 My child, do not be a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy.
"I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you." (Numbers 17:5)
"Yeshua replied and said to them: Do not murmur with one another." (John 6:43)
11 Neither shall you be self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are born.
12 Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth.
Yeshua said to His disciples: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth!" (Matthew 5:5)
13 Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard.
14 You shall not exalt yourself, nor give over-confidence to your soul.
15 Your soul shall not associate with lofty ones, but with righteous and meek ones shall you have discourse.
"Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in YHWH's Law. On his Law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1,2)
16 Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that nothing comes to pass without the knowledge of God.
"Let no one when he is tempted, say, I am tempted of God: for God is not tempted with evils, nor does he tempt any man. But every man is tempted by his own lust; and he lusts, and is drawn away." (James 1:13,14)
1 My child, remember night and day the one who speaks the Word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord.
2 For wherever the Teaching of the Lord is uttered, there is the Lord.
Yeshua said: "Where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)
3 And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words.
4 Do not desire to make schisms, but rather attempt to reconcile to peace those who cause strife.
"Abram said to Lot, 'Please, let there be no strife between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are relatives.'" (Genesis 13:8)
"A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife." (Proverbs 15:18)
"Who is wise and instructed among you? Let him show his works in praiseworthy actions, with modest wisdom. But if bitter envy be in you, or contention in your hearts, do not exalt yourselves against the truth, and do not lie." (James 3:13,14)
5 Judge righteously, and do not practice favoritism in reproving transgressions.
6 You shall not be of two minds whether or not something shall be.
7 Do not be one who stretches forth his hands to receive and one who withdraws his hand instead of giving.
8 If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins.
9 Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire.
10 Do not turn away from the one who is in need; rather, share all things with your brothers and sisters, and do not say that such possessions are your own.
"The worship that is pure and holy before God the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and that one keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)
11 For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal?
12 Do not withhold discipline from your son or daughter; rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth.
"One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him." (Proverbs 13:24) "Discipline your son, for there is hope; don't be a willing party to his death." (Proverbs 19:18)
13 Do not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but to them whom the Spirit has prepared.
14 And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as representatives of God, in modesty and fear.
15 You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to YHWH.
"For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice profanity, and to utter error against YHWH, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail." (Isaiah 32:6)
16 Do not in any way forsake the Commandments of YHWH; but keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom.
"Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances, which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which YHWH, the God of your fathers, gives you. You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of YHWH your God which I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:1,2)
"Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to YHWH's Law. Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart. Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways. You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them. Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes! Then I wouldn't be disappointed, when I consider all of your Commandments. I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments. I will observe your statutes. Don't utterly forsake me." (Psalm 119:1-8)
Yeshua said: "Do not suppose that I have come to do away with the Law or the Prophets: I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, that until heaven and earth shall pass away, one iota or one letter shall not pass from the Law, until all shall be fulfilled. Therefore whoever shall break one of these small Commandments and shall so inculcate on the children of men, shall be called little in the kingdom of heaven: but every one that shall observe and teach them, shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness shall abound more than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-20)
"Do not speak against each other, my brethren; for he that speaks against his brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the Law, and judges the Law. And if you judge the Law, you are not not observant of the Law, but its judge." (James 4:11)
17 In the congregation you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come to the altar for your prayer with an evil conscience.
"Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed; for great is the efficacy of the prayer which a righteous man prays." (James 5:16)
Yeshua said: "If you forgive men their faults, your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, your Father also does not forgive you your faults." (Matthew 6:14,15)
"Every one who is angry with his brother rashly, is obnoxious to judgment: and every one that says to his brother, Raka! is obnoxious to the council: and every one that shall say, Fool is obnoxious to hell-fire. If therefore you shall bring your offering to the altar, and shall there remember that your brother has any offence against you, leave there your offering before the altar, and go first and be reconciled with your brother; and then come and present your offering." (Matthew 5:22-24)
18 This is the way of life.
1 And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving 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 revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners.
2 Be delivered, children, from all these things.
1 See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you.
2 For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able.
3 And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead deities.
"Keep away from a sacrifice to idols, and from (consuming) blood, and from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. And if you keep yourselves from these, you will do well." (Acts 15:29)
1 And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water.
Yeshua said: "Go, therefore, and instruct all nations; and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
2 But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm.
3 But if you have neither, pour out water three times 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 whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.
1 Do not let your fasts be on the same days as the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week.
The hypocritical leaders who represent themselves as the teachers of the Law of YHWH demanded fasts on Mondays and Thursdays. This remains a tradition of Judaism to this day. The Jewish Encyclopedia says: "Some pious Jews also fast every Monday and Thursday in commemoration of the destruction of the Temple, of the burning of the Torah, and of the desecration of God's name." (1906 Jewish Encyclopedia, "Fasting and Fast Days") While there is nothing wrong with fasting on those actual days, the Apostle is calling attention to the need to be different than the false teachers, since they teach commandments of men instead of YHWH's Law. "Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God." (Matthew 15:9, New Living Translation)
2 Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Day of Preparation.
The fourth day (Wednesday) and on the Day of Preparation (Friday) also called the "Eve of Sabbath" (Friday evening after sundown).
3 Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as Rabbi Yeshua commanded in His teaching, like this:
Yeshua said: "And when you pray you shall not be like the hypocrites, who are fond of standing up in the synagogues and at the corners of streets to pray, so that they may be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have gotten their reward. But you, when you pray enter into your closet and close the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not be excessive in speech like the heathen; for they expect to be heard for their abundance of words. Therefore, do not be like them; for your Father knows what is needful for you, before you ask him." (Matthew 6:5-8)
4 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
or "Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy." (Compare Weymouth, World English Bible, International Standard Version, New Living Translation)
5 Your kingdom come.
6 Your will be done, as in heaven so on earth.
or "May your purposes be accomplished both in heaven and on earth."
7 Give us bread for our needs from day to day.
8 And forgive us our offences, as we have forgiven our offenders;
9 And do not let us enter into temptation, but deliver us from error.
God does not tempt humanity. "Let no one when he is tempted, say, I am tempted of God: for God is not tempted with evils, nor does he tempt any man. But every man is tempted by his own lust; and he lusts, and is drawn away." (James 1:13,14)
10 Because yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
11 Pray this three times each day.
1 Now concerning the Sacred Meal, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:
2 We thank You, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your servant, which You made known to us through Yeshua Your Servant.
3 To You be the glory for ever.
4 And concerning the broken bread:
5 We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Yeshua Your Servant.
6 To You be the glory for ever.
7 Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Your congregation be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your Kingdom.
The "congregation" here is the collective body of believers in the Way of Rabbi Yeshua - that is, all those who have come to believe in and love Yeshua, having been baptized, and observe His commandments. Yeshua said: "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)
8 Because Yours is the glory and the power through Yeshua the anointed for ever and ever.
9 But do not permit a person eat or drink of your Sacred Meal, unless that one has been baptized into the name of the Lord.
Those who are "baptized into the name of the Lord" and continue faithful in the Yeshua's commission in the earth comprise the body of Torah observant believers. "Go, therefore, and instruct all nations; and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Spirit of holiness. And teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And, behold, I am with you always, to the consummation of the worlds."
10 For concerning this also the Lord has said, "Do not give that which is holy to the dogs."
1 But after you have consumed the Sacred Meal, give thanks this way:
The Sacred Meal is the Eucharist. The Aramaic word is Qurbana which means "gift" or "offering." The Sacred Meal, or Holy Eucharist, is one of the most holy and life giving sacraments ritualized by the assembly of believers. "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:54, New American Standard Bible) None but those who belong to the Body should partake of this most Sacred Meal. See verse 14 below.
2 We thank You, Holy Father, for Your Holy Name which You caused to tabernacle in our hearts.
tabernacle, or "dwell in our hearts."
3 And for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Yeshua Your Servant.
4 To You be the glory for ever and ever.
5 You, Almighty Master, created all things for Your Name's sake.
6 You gave food and drink to mankind for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You.
7 And to us You freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant.
The spiritual food is the divine teaching found in God's Word the Bible.
8 Before all things we thank You that You are mighty.
9 To You be the glory for ever and ever.
10 Remember, Lord, Your congregation, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your Kingdom which You have prepared for it.
11 For Yours is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
12 Let grace come, and let this world pass away.
13 Hosanna to the God of David!
The word Hosanna expressed fervent worship of the Father.
14 If any one is holy, let him come.
Those partaking of the Sacred Meal and approaching the altar are called to be holy and to have already prepared for this blessed Meal. See note for verse 1.
15 If any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
The word Maranatha is Aramaic meaning "Our Lord comes".
16 But permit the Prophets to make thanksgiving as much as they wish.
While the congregation is instructed to permit the Prophets that might be among them to "make thanksgiving as much as they wish", it stands to reason that the exultation of YHWH by the Prophets would never be long winded or excessive considering our Lord Yeshua's instructions at Matthew 6:1-8. (See the note for Didache 8:1)
1 Whoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him.
"all these things" - that is, all the Law (Torah) of Israel as upheld by Rabbi Yeshua, his commandments, the decree of the Gospel, Acts, James' Epistle and the teachings found within the Didache.
2 However, if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, do not even listen to him.
"another doctrine" that does not properly parallel with that of the teachings in the Didache, for "in the last days false prophets and corrupters will multiply." (Didache 14:5)
3 But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of YHWH, receive him as you would receive the anointed.
"The fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
4 But concerning the Apostles and Prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel.
5 Let every Apostle who comes to you be received as you would receive the anointed.
True Apostles represent Rabbi Yeshua and as such we should treat them with the highest respect because they are appointed to teach the divine truths from the Word of God.
6 But he shall not remain more than one or two days, if there is a need.
7 But if he remains more than three days without need, he is a false prophet.
A true Apostle would never take advantage of the hospitality of the believers.
8 And when the Apostle departs, let him take nothing but food until he lodges.
9 If he asks for money, he is a false prophet.
10 And every Prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)
"And every one that shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but he that shall reproach the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him." (Luke 12:10)
11 But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the Way of YHWH.
"YHWH your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him. This is according to all that you desired of YHWH your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, "Let me not hear again the voice of YHWH my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I not die." YHWH said to me, "They have well said that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a prophet from among their brothers, like you; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, who shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die." (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)
12 Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the true Prophet be known.
"If you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which YHWH has not spoken?' when a prophet speaks in the name of YHWH, if the thing does not follow, nor happen, that is the thing which YHWH has not spoken: the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:21,22)
13 And every Prophet who orders a meal while in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet.
14 And every prophet who teaches the Truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet.
15 And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the body of anointed in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient Prophets.
16 But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him.
17 But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
1 But receive everyone who comes in the name of Yeshua, and prove and know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left.
2 If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able.
3 However, he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be.
4 But if he wants to stay with you, and he has a skill, let him work and eat.
5 But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a believer in the anointed, he shall be provided for, but he shall not live with you idle.
The teaching of the Prophet or the teacher is sufficient for the provisions that are made to him. In this case, there would be no limitation as to the Apostle's or teacher's stay - that is, as long as that one is properly instructing the congregation or household in the faith. See Didache 13:1,2
6 But if he wishes to remain idle, he is taking advantage of the provisions of Rabbi Yeshua.
7 Watch that you keep away from such ones.
1 But every true Prophet who wants to live among you is already worthy of his support.
2 So also a true teacher is himself already worthy, as the workman, of his support.
3 Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the Prophets, for they are your high priests.
4 But if you have no Prophet, give it to those who are in need.
5 If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the Commandment.
6 So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the Prophets.
"You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of YHWH your God." (Exodus 34:26)
"We should bring the first fruits of our dough, and our wave offerings, and the fruit of all kinds of trees, the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the rooms of the house of our God." (Nehemiah 10:37)
Yeshua did not speak against the practice of obeying His Father's Law concerning the dough and first-fruit; instead, He spoke against the hypocritical religious leaders who were neglecting to be merciful and righteous in judgment. He said: "Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for you tithe mint, and anise, and cummin, and omit the graver matters of the Law, judgment, and mercy, and fidelity: these you should be doing instead of omitting them...So you also, outwardly, appear to men as righteous; but within, you are full of iniquity and hypocrisy." (Matthew 23:23,28)
For additional Biblical references, see Genesis 14:18-24; 28:20-22; Numbers 18:21; Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8.
"Let there be taken out of your fruits a tenth, besides that which you have allotted to give to the priests and Levites. This you may indeed sell in the country, but it is to be used in those feasts and sacrifices that are to be celebrated in the holy city...Besides those two tithes, which I already said you are to pay every year, the one for the Levites, the other for festivals, you are to bring every third year a third tithe to be distributed to those that want; to women also that are widows, and to children that are orphans." (Antiquities of the Jews, book 4, chapter 8, sections 8,22)
7 And of money and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the Commandment.
1 But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread.
That the "Lord's day" referenced here is likely the Biblical seventh day Sabbath commanded by YHWH for all His people is established by the fact that it was the practice of the Apostles and disciples to gather regularly to hear the Law (Torah) on the Sabbath. "For in every city, from former ages, Moses had heralds in the synagogues, who read him every Sabbath." (Acts 15:21)
While worship services may be attended on Sunday or any other day, the Sabbath is commanded in the Scriptures as a day to be observed and memorialized. The seventh day Sabbath is an eternal covenant between YHWH and His people. The regular observance of the Sabbath is part of the Ten Commandments. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. You shall labor six days, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to YHWH your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; for in six days YHWH made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy." (Exodus 20:8-11)
Those who have used Acts 20:7 as a "proof text" that the early believers were meeting on Sunday neglect to read the context. Clearly the brethren were meeting on Sunday, however, the context indicates their meeting was to say goodbye to Paul who was going to journey to Jerusalem to attend the Festival of Pentecost.
2 And give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure.
3 However, let no one who is at odds with his brother or sister assemble with you, until that one has been reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned.
"Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed; for great is the efficacy of the prayer which a righteous man prays." (James 5:16)
Yeshua said: "If you forgive men their faults, your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, your Father also does not forgive you your faults." (Matthew 6:14,15)
"Every one who is angry with his brother rashly, is obnoxious to judgment: and every one that says to his brother, Raka! is obnoxious to the council: and every one that shall say, Fool is obnoxious to hell-fire. If therefore you shall bring your offering to the altar, and shall there remember that your brother has any offence against you, leave there your offering before the altar, and go first and be reconciled with your brother; and then come and present your offering." (Matthew 5:22-24)
See also Didache 4:17
4 For this is that which was spoken by the Lord:
5 "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says YHWH, and my name is wonderful among the nations."
"'But the deceiver is cursed, who has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King,' says YHWH of Armies, 'and my name is awesome among the nations.'" (Malachi 1:14)
1 Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the anointed, those who are meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of Prophets and teachers.
2 Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the Prophets and teachers.
3 And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel.
4 But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents.
5 And concerning your prayers and alms and all your deeds, do so according to the Gospel of our Lord.
1 Watch for your life's sake.
2 Do not permit your lamps to go out, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you do not know the hour in which our Lord will come.
"Then may the kingdom of heaven be shadowed forth by ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom and bride. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. And the foolish took their lamps, but took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in vessels, with their lamps. And while the bridegroom delayed, they all became sleepy and fell asleep. And at midnight there was an outcry: 'Behold, the bridegroom comes; go out to meet him.' Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: 'Give us of your oil; for, behold, our lamps have gone out.' The wise answered and said: 'We must refuse, lest there should not be enough for us and for you: but go to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready, went with him into the house of the nuptials, and the door was shut. And at length came also the other virgins, and said: 'Our lord, our lord, open to us.' But he answered, and said to them: 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch, therefore, seeing that you do not know the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:1-13)
3 But assemble together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls.
It was the tradition of the early Body of Believers to assembly regularly on the Sabbath. (See note for Didache 14:1)
4 For the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last season.
5 For in the last days false prophets and corrupters will multiply, and the sheep will turn into wolves, and love will turn into hate.
6 For when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver claiming to be the Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders.
7 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.
8 Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish.
9 However, those who endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself.
Yeshua said: "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)
10 And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet.
11 And third, the resurrection of the dead - yet not all of them at first, but as it is said: "YHWH my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him."
"Truly, truly, I say to you, That he who hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has life eternal, and will not come into condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, that the hour comes, and even now comes, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear, will live. For, as the Father has life in himself, so has he given to the Son also, to have life in himself: and has moreover given him authority to execute judgment. But that he is the Son of man, wonder not at this; for the hour comes when all that are in their graves will hear his voice; and will come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." (John 5:24-29)
"You shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azel; yes, you shall flee, just like you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. YHWH my God will come, and all the holy ones with you." (Zechariah 14:5)
12 Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
YHWH "shall come up as clouds, and his chariots [shall be] as the whirlwind" (Jeremiah 4:13)
"And immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not show her light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be agitated. And then will be seen the signal of the Son of man in heaven: and then will all the tribes of the earth mourn, when they see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a great trumpet and they will collect together his elect from the four winds, from one extremity of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:29-31)