Glossary

Theological and spiritual terms used in this book, with short definitions and back-links to every occurrence.

apostles, prophets, and teachers

Greek ἀπόστολος (apostolos, ‘one sent’), προφήτης (prophētēs, ‘one who speaks for God’), διδάσκαλος (didaskalos, ‘teacher’). The three itinerant ministries of the early Christian movement (Didache 11–13). Apostles travel from community to community and may stay no more than two days; prophets speak in the Spirit and may settle and be supported by their host community; teachers transmit the doctrine. The Didache devotes three chapters to discerning genuine prophets from impostors by their conduct—‘it is by their conduct that the false prophet and the true prophet can be distinguished’ (11:8). By the mid-second century these itinerant offices had largely given way to the settled bishops and deacons of chapter 15.

Occurs in: 18. On Ideas (18.3.1); 62. The Roman Nation Develops Rapidly and Immensely According to the Providence of God (62.4.6).

baptism

Greek βάπτισμα (baptisma), from βαπτίζω (baptizō, ‘to dip, immerse’). The sacrament by which a person is incorporated into the Body of Christ through threefold immersion (or, where immersion is impossible, by pouring water three times on the head) in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Didache (chapter 7) is the earliest extra-biblical source describing the rite, and the only ancient witness to permit affusion as a substitute for immersion when running cold water is unavailable—a concession that shaped Latin sacramental practice for the next two millennia.

Occurs in: 47. § 3: On the Identity of Spirit and Soul (47.41.7).

contemplation

Direct apprehension of divine reality, distinguished by the Fathers from rational knowledge (γνῶσις) and conceptual reasoning; the highest degree of prayer in the hesychast tradition.

Occurs in: 2. Preamble (2.1.1, 2.2.13); 56. § 8: The Soul’s Immortality as Witnessed by Worship of God (56.1.9, 56.1.30).

disobedience

The act of disobedience to God’s command, particularly referring to the Fall of Adam and Eve; contrasted with obedience (ὑπακοή) and central to patristic discussions of sin and redemption.

Occurs in: 43. Chapter 2: On the Kinship of the Human Race, Demonstrated From Spiritual Powers and Moral Principles, From Religious Ideas, Customs, and Language—§ 1. Kinship Demonstrated From Spiritual Powers, Moral Principles, and Religious Ideas (43.12.1); 47. § 3: On the Identity of Spirit and Soul (47.41.18); 48. Part 4: On the Immortality of the Soul (48.8.3).

fear of God

Reverent awe before God’s holiness; in patristic usage, the disposition that opens the heart to grace, distinct from servile dread.

Occurs in: 47. § 3: On the Identity of Spirit and Soul (47.1.10).

makrothymia—long-suffering, patience

Divine attribute denoting God’s patience and forbearance toward humanity; a fundamental characteristic of God’s mercy in patristic theology, often paired with philanthropia.

Occurs in: 43. Chapter 2: On the Kinship of the Human Race, Demonstrated From Spiritual Powers and Moral Principles, From Religious Ideas, Customs, and Language—§ 1. Kinship Demonstrated From Spiritual Powers, Moral Principles, and Religious Ideas (43.6.4); 48. Part 4: On the Immortality of the Soul (48.8.16).

mysteries

The hidden divine realities or secrets of creation and salvation. In this context, refers to the cosmic mysteries faithfully kept by the elements of creation under God’s governance.

Occurs in: 25. Sense of Hearing (25.1.2); 48. Part 4: On the Immortality of the Soul (48.6.8); 57. § 9: The Soul’s Immortality as Witnessed by Knowledge (57.2.7).

Prophets

The Old Testament prophets who spoke God’s word and foretold the coming of Christ. In patristic theology, the ‘grace of the prophets’ refers to their divinely inspired proclamation and their role in salvation history.

Occurs in: 61. The Greek Nation and Wisdom From Divine Providence (61.1.22).

saints

The holy ones, the sanctified members of the Church. In early Christian usage, refers to all baptized believers who are set apart for God and participate in His holiness.

Occurs in: 47. § 3: On the Identity of Spirit and Soul (47.15.1).

Two Ways

Greek ὁδοὶ δύο (hodoi dyo). The moral-teaching framework of the way of life and the way of death, which opens the Didache (1:1–6:3). The same pattern is closely paralleled in the Epistle of Barnabas (chapters 18–20); both works are now generally thought to draw on a common Jewish-Christian catechetical source rather than depend directly on each other. The discovery of the Qumran Community Rule (1QS 3:13–4:26, the ‘Treatise of the Two Spirits’) has reinforced the case for a pre-Christian Jewish source.

Occurs in: 39. On the Action of Climate, Diet, Civilization, Etc. Upon the Human Race for Promoting Varieties in Color and Character, and on Their Power to Make These Stable, Characteristic, and Perpetual, and as Distinguishing Signs of Different Races (39.1.11); 41. § 4: On the Effect of Climate and Civilization on the Human Body (41.2.1); 46. § 2: On the Origin of the Soul According to the Church Fathers (46.1.3).