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.

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.

Likewise a true teacher is himself worthy, like the workman, of his food.

Therefore thou shalt take the firstfruit[*](Their payment by firstfruits) of the produce of the winepress and of the threshing-floor and of oxen and sheep, and shalt give them as the firstfruits to the prophets, for they are your high priests.

But if you have not a prophet, give to the poor.

If thou makest bread, take the first-fruits, and give it according to the commandment.