Distinguishing True and False Prophets: The Protective Wisdom of the Didache

The Didache leaves the impression that the community had more to be feared from wayward prophets than to receive from true ones. After investigating the internal logic of the text, this paper concludes that prophets were principally cherished for their ability to offer spontaneous and inspiring eucharistic prayers; yet, such prayers were not allowed to supplant the canonical prayers whereby the community took charge of its weekly Eucharist. In like fashion, the training offered by prophets was to be honorably received if and only if it supported and built upon the community standards detailed in the Didache. Prophets could freely act out the radical demands of their own calling. If they presumed to require these standards for householders, however, they were to be rebuffed. In brief, the framers of the Didache fully expected to maintain the "way of life" revealed by the Father as the ultimate standard of perfection.