Didache

Anonymous

Didache. The Apostolic Fathers with an English translation In Two Volumes. Vol. I. Lake, Kirsopp, translator. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1912.

but let him not stay more than one day, or if need be a second as well; but if he stay three days, he is a false prophet.

And when an Apostle goes forth let him accept nothing but bread till he reach his night’s lodging; but if he ask for money, he is a false prophet.

Do not test or examine any prophet who is speaking[*](Prophets) in a spirit, for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.

But not everyone who speaks in a spirit is a prophet, except he have the behaviour of the Lord. From his behaviour, then, the false prophet and the true prophet shall be known.

And no prophet who orders a meal in a spirit shall eat of it: otherwise he is a false prophet.

And every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet.

But no prophet who has been tried and is genuine, though he enact a worldly mystery [*](This passage has never been satisfactorily explained: it probably refers to a tendency among some prophets to introduce forms of worship, or of illustration of their teaching, of doubtful propriety, if so the reference below to the prophets of old is perhaps an allusion to Hosea (Hos. 1, 2 ff.).) of the Church, if he teach not others to do what he does himself, shall be judged by you: for he has his judgment with God, for so also did the prophets of old.

But whosoever shall say in a spirit ‘Give me money, or something else,’ you shall not listen to him; but if he tell you to give on behalf of others in want, let none judge him.

Let everyone who comes in the Name of the[*](Travelling Christians) Lord be received; but when you have tested him you shall know him, for you shall have understanding of true and false.[*](Literally, right and left understanding.)

If he who comes is a traveller, help him as much as you can, but he shall not remain with you more than two days, or, if need be, three.

And if he wishes to settle among you and has a craft, let him work for his bread.

But if he has no craft provide for him according to your understanding, so that no man shall live among you in idleness because he is a Christian.

But if he will not do so, he is making traffic of Christ; beware of such.

But every true prophet who wishes to settle[*](Prophets who desire to remain) among you is worthy of his food.