Community and Fellowship: The Didache on Christian Community Ethics

The Didache opens with the "Two Ways" -- the Way of Life and the Way of Death -- providing ethical instruction for new Christians entering the community. The Way of Life includes: "You shall not turn away from the needy, but shall share all things with your brother, and shall not say that anything is your own. For if you are sharers in what is imperishable, how much more in things that perish?"

This early Christian text reveals a community where sharing was the norm, not the exception. Property was held loosely and generosity was expected. "Give to everyone who asks you, and do not demand it back." These were not aspirational ideals but practical expectations for community membership.

Practical application: Adopt the Didache's principle in your small group or church circle: "Share all things with your brother." Start small: pool resources for a group need, share tools and equipment, offer your home for gatherings, lend freely without tracking debts. The Didache teaches that Christian community is distinguished by its radical generosity.