The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations · Chapter I

The Two Ways; The First Commandment

Page 340 of 403

1. There are two ways,²³⁷⁰ one of life and one of death;²³⁷¹ but a great difference between the two ways. 2. The way of life, then, is this: First, thou shalt love God²³⁷² who made thee; second, thy neighbour as thyself;²³⁷³ and all things whatsoever thou wouldst should not occur to thee, thou also to another do not do.²³⁷⁴ 3. And of these sayings²³⁷⁵ the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you.²³⁷⁶ For what thank is there, if ye love them that love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same?²³⁷⁷ But do ye love them that hate you; and ye shall not have an enemy.²³⁷⁸ 4. Abstain thou from fleshly and worldly lusts.²³⁷⁹ If one give thee a blow upon thy right cheek, turn to him the other also;²³⁸⁰ and thou shalt be perfect. If one impress thee for one mile, go with him two.²³⁸¹ If one take away thy cloak, give him also thy coat.²³⁸² If one take from thee thine own, ask it not back,²³⁸³ for indeed thou art not able. 5. Give to every one that asketh thee, and ask it not back;²³⁸⁴ for the Father willeth that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts).²³⁸⁵ Happy is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receiveth; for if one having need receiveth, he is guiltless; but he that receiveth not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement),²³⁸⁶ he shall be examined concerning the things which he hath done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing.²³⁸⁷ 6. But also now concerning this, it hath been said, Let thine alms sweat²³⁸⁸ in thy hands, until thou know to whom thou shouldst give.

Notes

2369
The longer title is supposed to be the original one; the shorter, a popular abridgment. The latter has no real connection with . Many hold that the term "nations" (or "Gentiles") points to a Jewish Christian as the author (so Bryennios), though this is denied by others (so Brown). A similar diversity of opinion exists as to the class of readers; but, if the early date is accepted, the more probable theory is, that the first part at least of the manual was for the instruction of catechumens of Gentile birth (so Bryennios, Schaff). Others extend it to Gentile Christians.
2370
This phrase connects the book with the Duæ Viæ; see Introductory Notice. Barnabas has "light" and "darkness" for "life" and "death."
2371
, ; ; ,
2372
Comp. , which is fully cited in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 2, though the verb here is more exactly cited from LXX.
2373
; , . Comp. ,
2374
Comp. Tobit iv. 15; and ;
2375
These Old-Testament commands are thus taught by the Lord.
2376
. But the last clause is added, and is of unknown origin; not found in Apostolic Constitutions
2377
, ; . The two passages are combined.
2378
So Apostolic Constitutions. Comp.
2379
. The Codex has somatikon, "bodily;" but editors correct to kosmikon
2380
; .
2381
2382
;
2383
. The last clause is a peculiar addition: "art not able," since thou art a Christian; otherwise it is a commonplace observation.
2384
. The rest of the sentence is explained by the parallel passage in Apostolic Constitutions, which cites .
2385
Bryennios finds a parallel (or citation) in Hermas, Commandment Second,p. 20, vol. i. Ante-Nicene Fathers. The remainder of this chapter has no parallel in Apostolic Constitutions.
2386
Gr. en sunoche. Probably = imprisonment; see next clause.
2387
.
2388
Codex: idrotato, which in this connection is unintelligible. Bryennios corrects into idrosato, rendered as above. There are various other conjectural emendations. The verse probably forbids indiscriminate charity, pointing to an early abuse of Christian liberality.

Notes

2369

The longer title is supposed to be the original one; the shorter, a popular abridgment. The latter has no real connection with . Many hold that the term "nations" (or "Gentiles") points to a Jewish Christian as the author (so Bryennios), though this is denied by others (so Brown). A similar diversity of opinion exists as to the class of readers; but, if the early date is accepted, the more probable theory is, that the first part at least of the manual was for the instruction of catechumens of Gentile birth (so Bryennios, Schaff). Others extend it to Gentile Christians.

2370

This phrase connects the book with the Duæ Viæ; see Introductory Notice. Barnabas has "light" and "darkness" for "life" and "death."

2371

, ; ; ,

2372

Comp. , which is fully cited in Apostolic Constitutions, vii. 2, though the verb here is more exactly cited from LXX.

2373

; , . Comp. ,

2374

Comp. Tobit iv. 15; and ;

2375

These Old-Testament commands are thus taught by the Lord.

2376

. But the last clause is added, and is of unknown origin; not found in Apostolic Constitutions

2377

, ; . The two passages are combined.

2378

So Apostolic Constitutions. Comp.

2379

. The Codex has somatikon, "bodily;" but editors correct to kosmikon

; .

;

. The last clause is a peculiar addition: "art not able," since thou art a Christian; otherwise it is a commonplace observation.

2384

. The rest of the sentence is explained by the parallel passage in Apostolic Constitutions, which cites .

2385

Bryennios finds a parallel (or citation) in Hermas, Commandment Second,p. 20, vol. i. Ante-Nicene Fathers. The remainder of this chapter has no parallel in Apostolic Constitutions.

2386

Gr. en sunoche. Probably = imprisonment; see next clause.

2387

2388

Codex: idrotato, which in this connection is unintelligible. Bryennios corrects into idrosato, rendered as above. There are various other conjectural emendations. The verse probably forbids indiscriminate charity, pointing to an early abuse of Christian liberality.