Didascalia Apostolorum

Didascalia Apostolorum

You who follow the Way,

called by the Anointed One,

walk in the command of God —

with gentleness, clarity, and unity.

Let all things be done in love.

Let no one be exalted above another,

except by humility and service.

You are the body of the Anointed —

let none be divided from another.

Let your elders be men of peace,

tested in word and deed,

gentle, not arrogant,

lovers of the poor,

steadfast in trust,

slow to speak,

quick to listen.

Do not imitate the rulers of the nations.

Let your shepherds serve,

not dominate.

Let those who lead

first be led by the Spirit.

Do not honor them with titles,

but with trust and shared labor.

Care for widows as your own mothers,

and orphans as your own children.

Let none among you lack bread or shelter.

Do not burden the assembly with prideful givers,

but let all share in simplicity and truth.

Let the young serve the old,

and the strong lift up the weary.

If one among you is without,

the whole body suffers.

Let prayer be like breath —

constant, quiet, and near.

Do not fast to be seen,

but to draw near to the Breath of God.

Let the gatherings be in joy and order.

Let the Scriptures be read with reverence.

Let the teachings of the Anointed

be remembered and lived.

Give place to the Spirit.

Let there be time for stillness,

for lifting the heart in praise,

for remembering the poor,

for healing the broken.

Let baptism be done in water and Spirit —

not as ritual alone,

but as rebirth into Light.

Let the one immersed

renounce all darkness,

confess trust in the Anointed One,

and rise as a new creation.

Let the community embrace them,

and guide them gently

into the full life of the Way.

Do not silence the voice of the pure.

Let women teach other women,

raise children in wisdom,

and walk in holiness.

Do not shame them,

but guard their dignity.

Let no one use their position to dominate another.

The Spirit chooses whom He wills —

male or female —

and fills the humble.

Flee idolatry in all its forms —

not only images,

but the love of power, money, and self.

Let your yes be yes.

Let your homes be filled with light.

Test every teacher:

Do they serve the weak?

Do they walk as He walked?

Do not chase strange teachings.

Hold fast to what is true.

The Spirit will bear witness

with your heart.

When you gather,

let the Scriptures be read,

let prayers be lifted,

let all things be done in peace.

If one teaches,

let others listen.

If one speaks in Spirit,

let others test what is said with humility.

Do not quench the Breath,

but do not exalt confusion.

God is not a God of disorder,

but of peace.

Children of Light,

walk in trust,

walk in purity,

walk in unity.

Care for the widow.

Feed the poor.

Correct in gentleness.

Bear one another’s burdens.

Be like the Anointed —

who washed feet,

carried no gold,

and loved without pride.

Let the Spirit be your teacher.

Let the Scriptures be your guide.

Let the Anointed be your peace.

Amen.