The Didache, after going over what brought one into the New Covenant and the spiritual disciplines for one in the New Covenant, now delves into epicenter of the New Covenant itself–the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:28).
However, what we find different is the context of the Lord’s Supper: It takes place within what is called an “agape meal.” And this point in Christian history, the Lord’s Supper was not separated from a communal meal, but was, instead, part of it. Only later, did communal meals and the Lord’s Supper become separated (for instance, because of problems in the Church of Corinth).
The Agape Meal
9:1 Now, concerning the thanksgiving meal, give thanks in this way.
9:2 First, concerning the cup:
We thank you, our Father,
for the holy vine of David, Your son,
whom you have made known to us through Jesus, Your Son.
To You be the glory forever.
9:3 And concerning the broken bread:
We thank you, our Father,
for the life and knowledge
that you have made known to us through Jesus, Your Son.
To You be the glory forever.
9:4 As this broken [bread] was once scattered over the hills [as grain],
and, after being gathered together, became one,
so may Your Church be gathered together
from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom.
To You be the glory and the power forever.
At this point, this is still a communal meal for gathered Christians. Wine and bread were everyday foods and they were the core of this thanksgiving meal.
The Wine
Didache 9:2 uses poetic language to tie in the idea of David’s family line (“holy vine of David”) being fulfilled by Jesus (all when thanking God for the fruit of the vine [wine], which they would soon be drinking).
The prayer is recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and fulfillment of David. David was the king of Israel, but he disobeyed God (for example, Bathsheba). Now Jesus is the true King of Israel. He is a descendant of David through Joseph (Luke 3:23-38) and sinless. But, as Messiah, Jesus is more. David was king of Israel, but Jesus is King of the entire world. Jesus fulfilled Psalm 89:34-37: “[David’s] Seed will endure forever.” Jesus (a descendant of David) is ruling from David’s throne. His kingdom will never end.
This understanding is what a 1st-century Jewish Christian would have for Didache 9:2, which was now being taught to Gentiles.
– How does this prayer of thanks go way beyond simply thanking God for meeting their earthly needs?
– What does everyone drinking from one cup show?
The Bread
John 6:35: “Jesus [speaking to the crowd following Him] said, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
Colossians 2:3: “In him [Jesus] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
– How does this prayer tie together bread and salvation?
– How is the imagery of grain being turned into a loaf of bread used to show the unity the Church has, and is to have, in Christ?
The Lord’s Supper
Within the context of the communal, agape meal, the Didache now moves toward the Lord’s Supper. The Didache still uses the same term (thanksgiving meal, eucharist) because the Lord’s Supper took place as part of that meal.
9:5 Let no one eat or drink from your thanksgiving [meal] but those baptized in the name of the Lord.
- For the Lord has said concerning this: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs.”
– For this entire meal (communal meal and Lord’s Supper), who only may participate?
– This is a form what we call ____________ communion.
– What does this verse of the Didache say that baptism does?
10:1 When you have had your fill, give thanks [“eucharistize”] in this way:
10:2 We thank You, holy Father,
for Your holy name
that you have placed into our hearts,
and for the knowledge, faith, and immortality
that you have made known to us through Jesus, Your Son.
To You be the glory forever.
10:3 You, almighty Master,
have created everything for the sake of Your name.
To man, You have given for and drink to enjoy that they may give You thanks.
But, to us, You have graciously given spiritual food, drink, and eternal life through Your Son.
10:4 Above all, we thank You because You are mighty.
To You be the glory forever.
10:5 Remember, O Lord, Your Church.
- Deliver her from every evil;
- make her complete in Your love;
- and gather her from the four winds,
as the holy ones [saints] into Your kingdom,
which You have prepared for her.
For Yours is the power and glory forever.
10:6 May grace come, and may this world pass away.
Hosanna to the God of David!
If anyone is holy, let him come.
If anyone is not, let him repent.
Come, O Lord, Amen!
10:7 However, allow the prophets to give thanks [“eucharistize”] as much as they wish.
We know the Didache now moves toward the Lord Supper in the communal, agape meal. For the text moves to say, “When you have had your fill” and then moves into a more spiritual meal.
– According to verse 2, what three things does God the Father give us through Jesus?
– Verse 3 says that, through Jesus, we receive spiritual food, drink, and eternal life. The Didache links food, drink, and eternal life together. Discuss.
– How do we know from the Didache that bread and wine are used in the Lord’s Supper? (Clue: Remember the setting, which includes chapter 9)
– Verse four lets us know something about those in the Church:
- “Deliver her from every evil” means:
- “make her complete in Your love” means:
- “gather her from the four winds” means:
- “as the holy ones into Your kingdom” means:
– Verse 6 says, “May grace come, and may this world pass away.” Apply what this means in a setting where you are about to receive the Lord’s Supper.
– “If anyone is holy, let him come.” Tie in Didache 9:5. What is a prerequisite before receiving the Lord’s Supper.
– “If anyone is not, let him repent.” What does this mean?
– Verse 7 says, “Allow the prophets to give thanks [“eucharistize”] as much as they wish.” What does this say about how often communal meals with the Lord’s Supper were celebrated?
Ephesians 2:20: “As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.”
– Tie in “Allow the prophets to give thanks [“eucharistize”] as much as they wish” with this from Ignatius, a student of the Apostle John: “It is not permissible … to hold a love feast [agape meal, where the Lord’s Supper took place] without the bishop” [Smyrneans 8:2].
- As a synonym, how is the Didache loosely using word “prophet”?
- How would this apply in today’s context?
Excursus on “Closed Communion”
