In the Didache we see those to whom the Eucharist was open and those to whom it was closed. There is no evidence that it was ever otherwise from the beginning. -- Dr. Norman Nagel, Lutheran Forum, Vol. 25, No. 2, May 1991 (p. 27).
I always found it interesting that the 'proof text' the Didache used for 'closed communion' was Matt 7:6 "Give not that which is holy to the dogs". The Didache was written about the same time as John's Gospel and the Church had already digested Matt. Gospel and understood such phrases Eucharistically.
Also, from a Lutheran - Law / Gospel separation standpoint, what is your opinion of the Didache? It opens by saying "The way of life" is found in following the law. I only ask because back in my Lutheran days I knew a Professor from St. Louis who told me this showed him that they already had law gospel confusion at this point.
Oh, I think that's a rather silly judgment on the Didache - no matter what Prof said it. The two ways remain the same for all eternity: the obedience of faith and the rebellion of unbelief.
Can't fault the Didache. The way of life is indeed found in following the Law.
The difficulty is that I am thumbing my nose at the Law, when I point to myself as having accomplished such. I simply flat out lie. There are certainly those sins of commission; then there are misdeeds of not doing, of looking aside ... away from the needs of others, and from the flaws of my being.
I suspect the Didache sees the difficulty as being a universal dilemma, and not just this worm's specialty.
Thank God Someone with capability and the gutsy flesh followed the Law, and was lifted up as a reminder for all, as to the Way and the Life.
I always found it interesting that the 'proof text' the Didache used for 'closed communion' was Matt 7:6 "Give not that which is holy to the dogs". The Didache was written about the same time as John's Gospel and the Church had already digested Matt. Gospel and understood such phrases Eucharistically.
ReplyDeleteAlso, from a Lutheran - Law / Gospel separation standpoint, what is your opinion of the Didache? It opens by saying "The way of life" is found in following the law. I only ask because back in my Lutheran days I knew a Professor from St. Louis who told me this showed him that they already had law gospel confusion at this point.
Trent
Oh, I think that's a rather silly judgment on the Didache - no matter what Prof said it. The two ways remain the same for all eternity: the obedience of faith and the rebellion of unbelief.
ReplyDeleteCan't fault the Didache. The way of life is indeed found in following the Law.
ReplyDeleteThe difficulty is that I am thumbing my nose at the Law, when I point to myself as having accomplished such. I simply flat out lie. There are certainly those sins of commission; then there are misdeeds of not doing, of looking aside ... away from the needs of others, and from the flaws of my being.
I suspect the Didache sees the difficulty as being a universal dilemma, and not just this worm's specialty.
Thank God Someone with capability and the gutsy flesh followed the Law, and was lifted up as a reminder for all, as to the Way and the Life.