Didache on Confession and Eucharistic Sacrifice

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The Didache is a magnificent little document that is likely the oldest non-biblical Christian text, dating to about A.D. 70-90. I came across one line that is a pure gold nugget of Catholic practice and doctrine:

On the Lord’s own day, assemble in common to break bread and offer thanks (Greek: “to Eucharist”), but first confess your sins so that your sacrifice may be pure.” Didache, 14.

Here we have an imperative for the Sunday obligation – to come together for the Eucharist. Next, there is an imperative that Christians “confess your sins”. Thirdly, the act of “breaking the bread” is referred to as a “sacrifice”. In all three regards, typical Protestant practice and theology diverges from this very early witness to Christian piety. We find that the early Apostolic Church already practiced an obligatory Sunday Eucharist, confession of sins, and belief in the sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist.

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Categories: Church Fathers, Tradition
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Didache on Confession and Eucharistic Sacrifice

by


The Didache is a magnificent little document that is likely the oldest non-biblical Christian text, dating to about A.D. 70-90. I came across one line that is a pure gold nugget of Catholic practice and doctrine:

On the Lord’s own day, assemble in common to break bread and offer thanks (Greek: “to Eucharist”), but first confess your sins so that your sacrifice may be pure.” Didache, 14.

Here we have an imperative for the Sunday obligation – to come together for the Eucharist. Next, there is an imperative that Christians “confess your sins”. Thirdly, the act of “breaking the bread” is referred to as a “sacrifice”. In all three regards, typical Protestant practice and theology diverges from this very early witness to Christian piety. We find that the early Apostolic Church already practiced an obligatory Sunday Eucharist, confession of sins, and belief in the sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist.

Posted on
Categories: Church Fathers, Tradition
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comments Policy: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic. If your comment contains a hyperlink to another site, your comment automatically goes into "Comments Purgatory" where it waits for release by way of moderation.