The Way of the Didache: The First Christian Handbook

by William Varner

Overview

In 1873, a copy of the long lost Didache was discovered in a library in Constantinople. Since its publication a decade later, this little book has attracted a large amount of scholarly attention due to the light its sheds on the beliefs and practices of the early Christians. Dr. William Varner has written this volume to familiarize readers with these past and present scholarly discussions. Dr. Varner offers his own analytical translation of the Didache and sets forth some fresh ideas about the book's original purpose and its relationship to the New Testament. He also suggests how the message of this first Christian handbook can inform the church today. This is an accessible introduction, not only to an ancient Christian text, but also to how the earliest Christians responded to the challenge of their new lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761837145
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/09/2007
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.37(d)

About the Author

William Varner is Professor of Biblical Studies at The Master's College in Santa Clarita, CA, and directs the college's Israel Study Program. He earned degrees from Bob Jones University, Biblical Theological Seminary, Dropsie College and a Doctorate from Temple University. He has authored five additional books on biblical and Jewish related subjects and is currently writing a linguistic commentary on James.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Foreword
Part 2 Preface
Chapter 3 Introduction to the Didache
Chapter 4 The Rediscovery of the Didache
Chapter 5 The Text of the Didache
Chapter 6 A Translation of the Didache
Chapter 7 The Scriptures of the Didache
Chapter 8 The Two Ways of the Didache
Chapter 9 The Sacraments of the Didache
Chapter 10 The Ministers of the Didache
Chapter 11 The Theology of the Didache
Chapter 12 The Lessons of the Didache
Part 13 Appendices
Part 14 Endnotes
Part 15 Bibliography
Part 16 Index
Part 17 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Varner's book is a delightful introduction to what is most likely the earliest known extrabiblical Christian writing.

Bibliotheca Sacra - Roy B. Zuck

Varner has written in such a away that serious laymen, pastors, and scholars alike will profit from engaging this work, which is at once provocative, deep, and readable....this reviewer highly recommends this fresh study of such a critically important historical document. This is a must read for every pastor.

The Master's Seminary Journal

Varner's book is a delightful introduction to what is most likely the earliest known extrabiblical Christian writing.--Roy B. Zuck "Bibliotheca Sacra, January-March 2008 "

Varner has written in such a away that serious laymen, pastors, and scholars alike will profit from engaging this work, which is at once provocative, deep, and readable....this reviewer highly recommends this fresh study of such a critically important historical document. This is a must read for every pastor.--The Master's Seminary Journal

From the Publisher