The Didache is a primitive Christian handbook for church life. Compiled in the mid- first century, it remained authoritative for centuries afterward. In a few places it was counted among the canonical books of the New Testament. Its simple title is the Greek word for “Teaching,” and its full title in translation is The Teaching of the Lord through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations. It is the earliest of the ancient “church orders,” which were authoritative guidebooks for discipline, worship, and moral life. Its primitive character is evident in its use and imitation of Jewish sources.