The Didache and Transubstantiation

Q. Does the Didache advocate the Roman dogma of transubstantiation?

 

The Didache [The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles] (c. First Century A.D.):

Almighty Master, 'you have created everything' for the sake of your name, and have given men food and drink to enjoy that they may thank you [εὐχαριστήσωσιν]. But to us you have given spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Jesus, your child. 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 10.3, pp. 175-176). Here

 

Now about the Eucharist [εὐχαριστίασ, thanksgiving]: This is how to give thanks [εὐχαριστήσατε]: First in connection with the cup: "We thank you [Εὐχαριστοῦμέν], our Father, for the holy vine of David, your child, which you have revealed through Jesus, your child. To you be glory forever." Then in connection with the piece [broken off the loaf]: "We thank you [Εὐχαριστοῦμέν], our Father, for the life and knowledge which you have revealed through Jesus, your child. To you be glory forever. "As this piece [of bread] was scattered over the hills and then was brought together and made one, so let your Church be brought together from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever." 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 9.1-4, p. 175). Here

 

On every Lord's Day—his special day—come together and break bread and give thanks [εὐχαριστήσατε], first confessing your sins so that your sacrifice may be pure. Anyone at variance with his neighbor must not join you, until they are reconciled, lest your sacrifice be defiled. For it was of this sacrifice that the Lord said, "Always and everywhere offer me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is marveled at by the nations."  

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 14.1-3, p. 178). Here

 

It is a curious feature of the Didache that the cup has been displaced from the end of the meal to the very beginning. Equally curious is the absence of any direct reference to the body and blood of Christ. 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, footnote 48, p. 175). Here

 

Roman Objection:

You must not let anyone eat or drink of your Eucharist [εὐχαριστίασ, thanksgiving] except those baptized in the Lord's name. For in reference to this the Lord said, "Do not give what is sacred to dogs." 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 9.5, p. 175). Here

 

A. Something does not need to be the literal carnal body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ to be 'sacred' or ‘holy.’ 

 

“We thank you [Εὐχαριστοῦμέν], holy Father, for your sacred name which you have lodged in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you have revealed through Jesus, your child. To you be glory forever.”  

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 10.2, p. 175). Here

 

"Remember, Lord, your Church, to save it from all evil and to make it perfect by your love. Make it holy, 'and gather' it 'together from the four winds' into your Kingdom which you have made ready for it. For yours is the power and the glory forever." 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 10.5, p. 176). Here

 

"Let Grace come and let this world pass away." "Hosanna to the God of David!" "If anyone is holy, let him come. If not, let him repent." "Our Lord, come!" "Amen." 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 10.6, p. 176). Here

 

Transliteration vs. Translation: The meaning of "Eucharist" [thanksgiving]:

 

In the Didache:

This is how to give thanks [εὐχαριστήσατε]: First in connection with the cup: "We thank you [Εὐχαριστοῦμέν], our Father, for the holy vine of David, your child, which you have revealed through Jesus, your child. To you be glory forever." Then in connection with the piece [broken off the loaf]: "We thank you [Εὐχαριστοῦμέν], our Father, for the life and knowledge which you have revealed through Jesus, your child. 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 9.1-3, p. 175). Here

 

And after you have had enough give thanks [εὐχαριστήσατε] as follows: 

(Michael W. Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, [Baker Academic, 2007], Didache, 10.1, p. 359). Here

 

“We thank you [Εὐχαριστοῦμέν], holy Father, for your sacred name which you have lodged in our hearts, 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 10.2, p. 175). Here

 

Almighty Master, 'you have created everything' for the sake of your name, and have given men food and drink to enjoy that they may thank you [εὐχαριστήσωσιν]. 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 10.3, p. 175). Here

 

Above all we give thanks [εὐχαριστοῦμέν] to you because you are mighty; to you be the glory forever. 

(Michael W. Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, [Baker Academic, 2007], Didache, 10.4, p. 361). Here

 

But permit the prophets to give thanks [εὐχαριστεῖν] however they wish. 

(Michael W. Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, [Baker Academic, 2007], Didache, 10.7 p. 361). Here

 

On every Lord's Day—his special day—come together and break bread and give thanks [εὐχαριστήσατε], 

(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers, [The Westminster Press, 1953], The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache, 14.1, p. 178). Here

 

New Testament Usage See: Here

 

 

~ Soli Deo Gloria