DIDACHE:

1:1 There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways.
1:2 {The way of life} is this.
1:3 First of all, {thou shall love the God} that made thee;
1:4 secondly, {thy neighbor as yourself.}
1:5 {And all things whatever you would not have befall yourself neither do you unto another.}
1:6 Now of these words the doctrine is this.
1:7 {Bless them that curse you, and pray for} your enemies and fast for {them that persecute you;
1:8 for what thank is it, if you love them that love you? Do not even the Gentiles the same? But do you love them that hate you,} and you shall not have an enemy.
1:9 Abstain you from fleshly and bodily lusts.
1:10 {If any man give you a blow on your right cheek, turn to him the other also,} and you shall be perfect;
1:11 {if a man impress you to go with him, one mile, go with him twain;
1:12 if a man take away your cloak, give him your coat also;
1:13 if a man take away from you that which is your own, ask it not back,} for neither are you able.
1:14 {To every man that asks of you give, and ask not back;}
1:15 for the Father desires that gifts be given to all from His own bounties.
1:16 Blessed is he that gives according to the commandment;
1:17 for he is guiltless.
1:18 Woe to him that receives;
1:19 for, if a man receives having need, he is guiltless;
1:20 but he that has no need shall give satisfaction why and wherefore he received;
1:21 and being put in confinement he shall be examined concerning the deeds that he has done, and {he shall not come out thence until he has given back the last farthing.}
1:22 Yea, as touching this also it is said;
1:23 {Let your alms sweat into your hands, until you shall have learnt to whom to give.}

2:1 And this is the second commandment of the teaching.
2:2 {Thou shall do no murder, you shall not commit adultery,} you shall not corrupt boys, you shall not commit fornication, {thou shall not steal,} you shall not deal in magic, you shall do no sorcery, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill them when born, {thou shall not covet your neighbor's goods, you shall not perjure yourself, you shall not bear false witness,} you shall not speak evil, you shall not cherish a grudge, you shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued;
2:3 for the double tongue is a snare of death.
2:4 your word shall not be false or empty, but fulfilled by action.
2:5 you shall not be avaricious nor a plunderer nor a hypocrite nor ill-tempered nor proud.
2:6 you shall not entertain an evil design against your neighbor.
2:7 {Thou shall not hate} any man, {but some you shall reprove,} and for others you shall pray, {and others you shall love} more than your life.

3:1 My child, flee from every evil and everything that resembles it.
3:2 Be not angry, for anger leads to murder, nor jealous nor contentious nor wrathful;
3:3 for of all these things murders are engendered.
3:4 My child, be not lustful, for lust leads to fornication, neither foul-speaking neither with uplifted eyes;
3:5 for of all these things adulteries are engendered.
3:6 My child, {be no dealer in omens,} since it leads to idolatry, nor an enchanter nor an astrologer nor a magician, neither be willing to look at them;
3:7 for from all these things idolatry is engendered.
3:8 My child, be not a liar, since lying leads to theft, neither avaricious neither vainglorious;
3:9 for from all these things thefts are engendered.
3:10 My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads to blasphemy, neither self-willed neither a thinker of evil thoughts;
3:11 for from all these things blasphemies are engendered.
3:12 But be meek, since {the meek shall inherit the earth.}
3:13 Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and {quiet} and kindly {and} always {fearing the words} which you have heard.
3:14 you shall not exalt yourself, neither shall you admit boldness into your soul.
3:15 your soul shall not cleave together with the lofty, but with the righteous and humble shall you walk.
3:16 The accidents that befall you you shall receive as good, knowing that nothing is done without God.

4:1 My child, {thou shall remember him that speaks unto you the word of God} night and day, and shall honor him as the Lord;
4:2 for wherever the Lordship speaks, there is the Lord.
4:3 Moreover you shall seek out day by day the persons of the saints, that you may find rest in their words.
4:4 you shall not make a schism, but you shall pacify them that contend;
4:5 you shall judge righteously, you shall not make a difference in a person to reprove him for transgressions.
4:6 you shall not doubt whether a thing shall be or not be.
4:7 {Be not you found holding out your hands to receive, but drawing them in as to giving.}
4:8 If you have ought passing through your hands, you shall give a ransom for your sins.
4:9 you shall not hesitate to give, neither shall you murmur when giving;
4:10 for you shall know who is the good paymaster of your reward.
4:11 you shall not turn away from him that is in want, but shall make your brother partaker in all things, and shall not say {that anything is your own.}
4:12 For if you are fellow-partakers in that which is imperishable, how much rather in the things which are perishable? you shall not withhold your hand from your son or from your daughter, but from their youth you shall teach them the fear of God.
4:13 you shall not command your bondservant or your handmaid in your bitterness, who trust in the same God as yourself, lest haply they should cease to fear the God who is over both of you;
4:14 for He comes, not to call men with respect of persons, but He comes to those whom the Spirit has prepared.
4:15 But you, servants, shall be subject unto your masters, as to a type of God, in shame and fear.
®LA1¯4:16 you shall hate all hypocrisy, and everything that is not pleasing to the Lord.
4:17 you shall never forsake the commandments of the Lord;
4:18 but shall keep those things which you have received, neither adding to them nor taking away from them.
4:19 In church you shall confess your transgressions, and shall not betake yourself to prayer with an evil conscience.
4:20 This is the way of life.

5:1 But the way of death is this.
5:2 First of all, it is evil and full of a curse murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magical arts, witchcrafts, plunderings, false witnessings, hypocrisies, doubleness of heart, treachery, pride, malice, stubbornness, covetousness, foul-speaking, jealousy, boldness, exaltation, boastfulness;
5:3 persecutors of good men, hating truth, loving a lie, not perceiving the reward of righteousness, not {cleaving to the good} nor to righteous judgment, wakeful not for that which is good but for that which is evil;
5:4 from whom gentleness and forbearance stand aloof;
5:5 loving vain things, pursuing a recompense, not pitying the poor man, not toiling for him that is oppressed with toil, not recognizing Him that made them, murderers of children, corrupters of the creatures of God, turning away from him that is in want, oppressing him that is afflicted, advocates of the wealthy, unjust judges of the poor, altogether sinful.
5:6 May you be delivered, my children, from all these things.

6:1 See lest any man lead you astray from this way of righteousness, for he teaches you apart from God.
6:2 For if you are able to bear the whole yoke of the Lord, you shall be perfect;
6:3 but if you are not able, do that which you are able.
6:4 But concerning eating, bear that which you are able;
6:5 yet abstain by all means from meat sacrificed to idols;
6:6 for it is the worship of dead gods.

7:1 But concerning baptism, thus shall you baptize.
7:2 Having first recited all these things, baptize {in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit} in living (running) water.
7:3 But if you have not living water, then baptize in other water;
7:4 and if you are not able in cold, then in warm.
7:5 But if you have neither, then pour water on the head thrice in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
7:6 But before the baptism let him that baptizes and him that is baptized fast, and any others also who are able;
7:7 and you shall order him that is baptized to fast a day or two before.

8:1 And let not your fastings be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and the fifth day of the week;
8:2 but do you keep your fast on the fourth and on the preparation (the sixth) day.
8:3 Neither pray you {as the hypocrites,} but as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, {thus pray you.
8:4 Our Father, which are in heaven, hallowed be your name;
8:5 your kingdom come;
8:6 your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth;
8:7 give us this day our daily bread;
8:8 and forgive us our debt, as we also forgive our debtors;
8:9 and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one;}
8:10 for your is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
8:11 Three times in the day pray you so.

9:1 But as touching the eucharistic thanksgiving give you thanks thus.
9:2 First, as regards the cup:
9:3 We give you thanks, O our Father, for the holy vine of your son David, which you made known unto us through your Son Jesus;
9:4 your is the glory for ever and ever.
9:5 Then as regards the broken bread:
9:6 We give you thanks, O our Father, for the life and knowledge which you didst make known unto us through your Son Jesus;
9:7 your is the glory for ever and ever.
9:8 As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains and being gathered together became one, so may your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom;
9:9 for your is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
9:10 But let no one eat or drink of this eucharistic thanksgiving, but they that have been baptized into the name of the Lord;
9:11 for concerning this also the Lord has said:
9:12 {Give not that which is holy to the dogs.}

10:1 And after you are satisfied thus give you thanks:
10:2 We give you thanks, Holy Father, for your holy name, which you have made to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which you have made known unto us through your Son Jesus;
10:3 your is the glory for ever and ever.
10:4 you, Almighty Master, didst create all things for your name's sake, and didst give food and drink unto men for enjoyment, that they might render thanks to Thee;
10:5 but didst bestow upon us spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your Son.
10:6 Before all things we give you thanks that you are powerful;
10:7 your is the glory for ever and ever.
10:8 Remember, Lord, your Church to deliver it from all evil and to perfect it in your love;
10:9 and {gather it together from the four winds}--even the Church which has been sanctified--into your kingdom which you have prepared for it;
10:10 for your is the power and the glory for ever and ever.
10:11 May grace come and may this world pass away.
10:12 Hosanna to the God of David.
10:13 If any man is holy, let him come;
10:14 if any man is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
10:15 But permit the prophets to offer thanksgiving as much as they desire.

11:1 Whoever therefore shall come and teach you all these things that have been said before, receive him;
11:2 but if the teacher himself be perverted and teach a different doctrine to the destruction thereof, hear him not;
11:3 but if to the increase of righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord.
11:4 But concerning the apostles and prophets, so do you according to the ordinance of the Gospel.
11:5 Let every apostle, when he comes to you, be received as the Lord;
11:6 but he shall not abide more than a single day, or if there be need, a 11:7 but if he abide three days, he is a false prophet.
11:8 And when he departs let the apostle receive nothing save bread, until he finds shelter;
11:9 but if he ask money, he is a false prophet.
11:10 And any prophet speaking in the Spirit you shall not try neither discern;
11:11 for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.
11:12 Yet not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet, but only if he have the ways of the Lord.
11:13 From his ways therefore the false prophet and the prophet shall be recognized.
11:14 And no prophet when he orders a table in the Spirit shall eat of it;
11:15 otherwise he is a false prophet.
11:16 And every prophet teaching the truth, if he does not what he teaches, is a false prophet.
11:17 And every prophet approved and found true, if he does ought as an outward mystery typical of the Church, and yet teaches you not to do all that he himself does, shall not be judged before you;
11:18 he has his judgment in the presence of God;
11:19 for in like manner also did the prophets of old time.
11:20 And whoever shall say in the Spirit, Give me silver or anything else, you shall not listen to him;
11:21 but if he tell you to give on behalf of others that are in want, let no man judge him.

12:1 But let every one {that comes in the name of the Lord} be received;
12:2 and then when you have tested him you shall know him, for you shall have understanding on the right hand and on the left.
12:3 If the comer is a traveler, assist him, so far as you are able;
12:4 but he shall not stay with you more than two or three days, if it be necessary.
12:5 But if he wishes to settle with you, being a craftsman, let him work for and eat his bread.
12:6 But if he has no craft, according to your wisdom provide how he shall live as a Christian among you, but not in idleness.
12:7 If he will not do this, he is trafficking upon Christ.
12:8 Beware of such men.

13:1 But every true prophet desiring to settle among you {is worthy of his food.}
13:2 In like manner a true teacher {is} also {worthy,} like {the workman, of his food.}
13:3 Every firstfruit then of the produce of the wine-vat and of the threshing-floor, of your oxen and of your sheep, you shall take and give as the firstfruit to the prophets;
13:4 for they are your chief-priests.
13:5 But if you have not a prophet, give them to the poor.
13:6 If you make bread, take the firstfruit and give according to the commandment.
13:7 In like manner, when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the firstfruit and give to the prophets;
13:8 yea and of money and raiment and every possession take the firstfruit, as shall seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.

14:1 And on the Lord's own day gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks, first confessing your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure.
14:2 And let no man, having his dispute with his fellow, join your assembly until they have been reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be defiled;
14:3 for this sacrifice it is that was spoken of by the Lord;
14:4 {In every place and at every time offer Me a pure sacrifice;
14:5 for I am a great king, says the Lord and My name is wonderful among the nations.}

15:1 Appoint for yourselves therefore bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are meek and not lovers of money, and true and approved;
15:2 for unto you they also perform the service of the prophets and teachers.
15:3 Therefore despise them not;
15:4 for they are your honorable men along with the prophets and teachers.
15:5 And reprove one another, not in anger but in peace, as you find in the Gospel;
15:6 and let no one speak to any that has gone wrong towards his neighbor, neither let him hear a word from you, until he repent.
15:7 But your prayers and your almsgivings and all your deeds so do you as you find it in the Gospel of our Lord.

16:1 {Be watchful} for your life;
16:2 {let your lamps not be quenched and your loins not ungirded, but be you ready;
16:3 for you know not the hour in which our Lord comes.}
16:4 And you shall gather yourselves together frequently, seeking what is fitting for your souls;
16:5 for the whole time of your faith shall not profit you, if you be not perfected at the last season.
16:6 For in the last days {the false prophets} and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate.
16:7 For as lawlessness increases, {they shall hate one another and shall persecute and betray.
16:8 And then} the world-deceiver {shall appear} as a son of God;
16:9 {and shall work signs and wonders,} and the earth shall be delivered into his hands;
16:10 and he shall do unholy things, which have never been since the world began.
16:11 Then all created mankind shall come to the fire of testing, and many shall be offended and perish;
16:12 {but they that endure} in their faith {shall be saved} by the Curse Himself.
16:13 {And then shall the signs} of the truth {appear;}
16:14 first a sign of a rift in the heaven, then a sign of a voice of a trumpet, and thirdly a resurrection of the dead;
16:15 yet not of all, but as it was said:
16:16 {The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him.
16:17 Then shall} the world {see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.}
 

Didache (Contemporary Translation by Ivan Lewis)

copyright 1998 translated by Ivan Lewis from extant Greek manuscripts with consideration given  to the Coptic and Latin text.

THE TEACHING TO THE NATIONS

CHAPTER 1
THE TWO WAYS; THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
1) There are two ways: one of Life - one of Death, each having great differences between them.
2) The way of life is this:
First, You must love the One who formed you;
Second, you must love your neighbor in the same manner as yourself. Do not do to others, what you yourself would not want done to you.
3) And these are our teachings:
Bless the ones who curse you. Pray for your enemies. Fast for your persecutors. Do you expect a great reward if you only love those who love you? Do the Gentiles not conduct themselves accordingly? But if you practice love to those who hate you, your enemies will vanish.
4) Refrain from the impulses of your selfish nature and the self-serving world. If someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the left to be likewise struck. This discipline will lead to your perfecting. If someone forces you to go one mile in service, go with him a second. If someone robs you of your robe, freely give him your coat. If someone takes anything from you, don't ask that it be returned, for what good would that do?
5) Give to all who ask, and don't expect return; for your Parent in heaven wills that everyone should be recipients of our free gifts. Great rewards await anyone who gives according to the commandment; for that person is guiltless. A negative return is given to the one who receives but has no need, for he will pay the penalty for why he received for nothing but greed, and under examination will be required to divulge everything concerning his choices, and will not be freed from his obligations until everything owed is paid.
6) On the other hand, the one who is in need and receives is guiltless. Let your gifts rest in in your sweaty hands, until you know to can discern to whom you should give.

CHAPTER 2
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT: GROSS SIN FORBIDDEN
1) This is the second commandment of the Teaching;
2) You must not murder; nor given to adultery; nor molest children; nor practice immorality; nor theft; nor a practicioner of black magic; nor a practicioner of witchcraft; nor a terminator of unborn children; nor any sort of infanticide; nor one who unlawfully seek to take ownership of your neighbor's possessions,
3) You must not commit perjury nor be given over to false testimony, nor speak evil, nor hold grudges.
4) You must not be deceitful nor fickle; for to be fickled is a snare of death.
5) Your speech must never be false, nor meaningless, but confirmed by action.
6) You must never be greedy, nor accumulate riches, nor a hypocrite, nor malicious, nor arrogant; nor given over to plot evil against your neighbor.
7) You must not hate anyone; but some you must correct, and pray for others, and some you must love even more than your own life.

CHAPTER 3
OTHER SINS FORBIDDEN
1) My child, turn away from everything evil, even from anything that resembles it.
2) Control your anger, for anger leads to murder. Control your jealousy, and do not bicker, nor be hot-tempered, for all these these things are the roots of murder.
3) My child, don't entertain lust in your heart; for lust leads to immorality. Do not be foul-mouthed, nor allow your eyes to roam; for all these are the roots of adultery.
4) My child, do not practice any part of omens, because this leads to idolatry. Do not practice enchantment, nor self-centered astrology, nor black magic, nor join with those who exhibit these things; for these all lead to idolatry.
5) My child, do not lie because lying lead to theft. Do not accumulate selfish wealth, nor build conceit because these all lead to theft.
6) My child, do not grumble because this leads to blasphemy. Do not be arrogant nor evil-minded because all of these lead to blasphemy.
7) Rather, be meek for they will inherit the Land of Promise.
8) Be humble, patient, merciful, gentle and good, always showing proper respect and reverence for that which you have heard.
9) Never seek self-exaltation, nor be over-confident in your own self. You must not be joined with the worldly upper class, but with the righteous and humble.
10) Whatever things that happen to you should be taken as good, after all we know that nothing happens apart from God.

CHAPTER 4
VARIOUS PRECEPTS
1) My child, every night and day remember those who teach you; and you must honor him.
2) And you must daily seek the companionship of the saints, so that you may find support in their words.
3) Never cause division, but be an arbitor to those who quarrel. Always judge righteously, never showing partiality when mediating transgressions.
4) Always stand firm in your decisions.
5) Don't be a habitual receiver, ever reluctant in generosity.
6) If you've earned something through work, your giving will be weighed as a ransom against your sins.
7) You must not hesitate to give, nor grumble afterwards, for one day you will face the reward of the Paymaster.
8) Never turn away those in need, but always share all things with your brother, and never say that your possessions exclusively your own, because if you share in eternal things, how much more in things that are temporary!
9) Never neglect your responsibilities concerning your son and daughter, but always teach them from their youth proper respect.
10) Never give orders in anger to your servant or maid, especially if their hope is the same, lest they are provoked to lose respect for God who is over you both. For He doesn't come to people based on their appearance or reputation, but to the ones whom the Spirit has prepared.
11) And your servants must be subject to your own masters in respect and fear.
12) You must hate all hypocrisy and everything that is not positive.
13) Never turn away from practicing the commandments and always guard what you have received, being careful to never add to or take away from anything that was received.
14) In the assembly you should confess your transgressions, and be careful to never approach your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.

CHAPTER 5
THE WAY OF DEATH
1) The way of death is this: First of all, it is evil and cursed: full of murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, magical arts, witchcrafts, robberies, false testimonies, hypocrisy, deceit, arrogance, depravity, self-will, greed, filthy talk, jealous, over-confidence, false-pride, boastful;
2) Persecutors of all things good, hating truth, loving lies, ignorant of the reward for righteousness, not clinging to good nor righteous judgment, being drawn to evil rather than good; from whom gentleness and endurance are distanced, loving vanities, chasing temporary reward, having no mercy for the poor, not working for the afflicted, not knowing their Creator, murderers of children, destroyers of creation, turning away from the needy, oppressing the afflicted, prejudiced in favor of the rich and against the poor, utterly sinful. Children, may all of you be delivered from all these abominations.

CHAPTER 6
AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS, AND FOOD OFFERED TO IDOLS
1) Be on your guard for many would like to lead you away from the way of the Teaching, for their priorities have no regard.
2) If you are able to bear the yoke, you will be perfect; but if you can't, you should make your best effort.
3) And concerning food, eat what is right but guard that you never eat that which is sacrificed to idols, for that is recognized as worship of the dead.

CHAPTER 7
CONCERNING BAPTISM
1) And concerning baptism, baptize this way: After reviewing all of this teaching, baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in living (running) water.
2) But if living water is not available, then baptize into other water; and cold is preferred, but if not available in warm.
3) But if neither is available, pour water three times upon the head in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
4) But before the baptism, let the overseer fast, and also the one being baptized, and all others who are able; Be sure to instruct the one being baptized to fast one or two days before.

CHAPTER 8
CONCERNING FASTING AND PRAYER
1) Be careful not to schedule your fasts at the times when the hypocrites fast. They fast on the second (Monday) and fifth (Thursday) day of the week, therefore make your fast on the fourth (Wednesday) day and the Preparation day (Friday, the day of preparation for the Sabbath-Saturday).
2) Likewise, don't pray as the hypocrites, but as commanded in the Gospel in this manner:
Our Father in heaven,
Sacred is Your Name.
Your kingdom comes.
Your will is accomplished,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debt
in the manner that we forgive our debtors.
And do not allow us to fall to temptation,
but deliver us from evil,
for Yours is the power and the glory forever.
Amen!
3) Pray in this manner three times per day.

CHAPTER 9
THE THANKSGIVING SACRAMENT
1) Now concerning the Thanksgiving meal, give thanks in this manner.
2) First, concerning the cup:
We thank You, our Father,
For the Holy Vine of David Your servant,
Whom You made known to us through Your Servant;
May the glory be Yours forever.
3) Concerning the broken bread:
We thank You, our Father,
For the life and knowledge
Which You made known to us through Your Servant;
May the glory be Yours forever.
As this broken bread was scattered over the mountains,
And was gathered together to become one,
So let Your Body of Faithful be gathered together
From the ends of the earth into Your kingdom;
for the glory and power are Yours forever.
5) But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving, unless they have been baptized; for concerning this is taught, "Do not give what is holy to dogs."

CHAPTER 10
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
1) After the meal, give thanks in this manner:
2) We offer thanks, Holy Father,
For Your Holy Name which fills our hearts,
And for the knowledge, faith and eternal life,
You made known to us through Your Servant;
Yours is the glory forever.
3) Almighty Master, You created all things for Your own purpose;
You gave men food and drink to enjoy,
That they might give You thanks;
But to us You freely give spiritual food and drink,
And eternal life through Your Servant.
4) Foremost, we thank You because You are mighty;
Yours is the glory forever.
5) Remember Your Body of Servants,
To deliver it from everything evil
And perfect it according to Your love,
And gather it from the four winds,
Sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it;
For the power and glory are Yours forever.
6) Let Your grace come,
And let this world pass away.
Hosanna to the God of David!
May all who are holy, come;
Let those who are not, repent.
Maranatha. Amen.
7)But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as they wish.

CHAPTER 11
CONCERNING TEACHERS, EMISSARIES, AND PROPHETS
TEACHERS:
1) Whoever comes to teach you in accordance with all these things we've written here, receive him.
2) But if the teacher himself goes astray, teaching another doctrine which would undermine this doctrine, do not hear him; but if his teaching provokes you to greater righteousness and increases your knowledge, welcome him.

EMISSARIES & PROPHETS
3) Concerning the emissaries and prophets, Deal with them according to the decree of our Teaching.

EMISSARIES:
4) Let every emissary that comes to you be received.
5) But he must not remain longer than one day, unless it is absolutely necessary, in which case he may stay another. But if he stays three days, suspect him as a false prophet.
6) When the emissary leaves, send him with only bread to sustain him to his next destination. But if he asks for money, be assured that he is a false prophet.

PROPHETS:
7) Do not test or judge any prophet who speaks according to the Spirit.
8) But be warned; not everyone who speaks according to the Spirit is a prophet, but only those who walk in the Spirit. Therefore, from their consistent behaviors can you discern the false prophet.
9) And every prophet who commands food to be brought to him in the Spirit will not eat from it, unless he is a false prophet;
10) Every prophet will teach the truth, but if he doesn't practice his own words, he should be regarded as a false prophet.
11) And every prophet who has proven that they are in fact genuine, whose illustrations occasionally appear too worldly when teaching about the Body of Believers, yet he scrupulously does not teach others to copy his illustrations, shall not be judged negatively among you, for God will judge righteously. For his example came from the ancient prophets.
12) Whoever says in the Spirit, "Give me money," or something similar thing, do not listen to him. But if he solicites that you give to the needy, none should judge him.

CHAPTER 12
RECEPTION OF BELIEVERS
1) Everyone who comes should be received, but then you should watch him. Under scrutiny you will gain insight into his character.
2) If he is a traveler, help him according to your ability. But he should not be allowed to stay with you more than two or possibly three days.
3) But if he decides to stay longer, and is a craftsman, put him to work.
4) But if he is not skilled, make a careful judgment as to his living conditions as a fellow believer among you, making sure that he is not allowed to be idle.
5) But if he doesn't cooperate, he is a user - even trading on Christ for profit. Beware of such as this.

CHAPTER 13
SUPPORT OF PROPHETS
1) Every true prophet who settles among you is deserving of his food.
2) A true teacher is also worthy of his food.
3) For this reason, Store all the first-fruits of your wine, grain, cattle, and sheep. Give these to the prophets, for they are your high priests.
4) If a prophet does not reside among you, distribute it to the poor.
5) If you make bread, give the first-fruit according to the instruction.
6) In this manner, when you open a container of wine or oil, give the first-fruit of it to the prophets.
7) And concerning your money, clothing, and all possessions, give the appropriate first-fruit, according to godly discretion, and give according to the instruction.

CHAPTER 14
THE SABBATH ASSEMBLY
1) Every day, gather together, eat a meal, and give thanks after having first confessed your sins, that your sacrifice may be pure.
2) Discourage anyone who has a disputation with his brother to gather with you, until they are reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be defiled.
3) For this is the sacrifice that was spoken of in our teaching:
"In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, and My Name is marvelous among the nations."

CHAPTER 15
BISHOPS AND DEACONS; REPROOF
1) Therefore, appoint for yourselves, worthy bishops and deacons. Make sure that they are men who are meek, not lovers of money, but truthful and proven. They will provide among you the services of prophets and teachers.
2) Do not despise them, rather they should be honored, together with the prophets and teachers.
3) Correct each other in peace, not in anger. But if one among you wrongs another, do not befriend and console the offender, until he reconciles.
4) Concerning your prayers, giving, and works, perform them according to our teachings.

CHAPTER 16
WATCHFULNESS; THE COMING JUDGMENT
1) Guard your lives. Keep your menorah's (lamps) burning, and ever prepared, for the hour is not known.
2) Gather together frequently, pursuing that which will benefit your souls, otherwise the entire time of your faith will be nearly worthless if you have not persevered to the end.
3) For in the last days false prophets and corrupters will be multiplied, and the sheep will become wolves, and love will be turned into hate.
4) As lawlessness increases, they will hate and persecute and betray one another. And then the deceiver of the world will appear as a son of God, and will perform signs and wonders, and the earth will be delivered into his hands, and he will do abominable things that will surpass all evil done since the beginning.
5) Then all mankind will be tried by fire, causing many to fall away and perish. But those with enduring faith will be saved from by the One Who was cursed.
6) Then the signs of truth will appear: First, the sign of heaven opening. Then, the sign of the trumpet sounding. And third, the resurrection of the dead.
7) Yet, not of all, but as it is said: "The Judge will come, and all His angels."
8) Then the world will see the judgment coming on the clouds of heaven.