Friday Scholarly Notes
10/18/24
Niederwimmer, Kurt. (1998). "IV: Eschatological Conclusion." In The Didache: A Commentary on the Didache. (pp. 207-227). (Original German 1989). Fortress Press. (Personal Library).
Niederwimmer divides Didache chapter 16 into two sections, with paraenesis in verses 1-2 and apocalyptic material in verses 3-8. He considers the abrupt stop at the end of verse 8 to indicate the actual end is missing (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 207). Niederwimmer observes a common view that the material in chapter 16 was originally a conclusion of the Two Ways material from chapters 1-6. However, documentation to defend this view is lacking. There may be dependence on Matthew 24, influence from Luke or Barnabas, or various portions of the Old Testament (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 209). Niederwimmer provides charts for comparison of ideas according to a number of possible theories.
Didache 16:1-2 rather abruptly calls for vigilance, without any signal of that vigilance being required due to anything previously introduced (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 214). The image of a burning lamp is used, along with that of not relaxing a belt. Both indicate the need to remain prepared for action (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 215).
The time of the end will be recognized by the presence of false prophets and corruption leading to strife (16.3-4a) (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 217). Niederwimmer notes the language used is fairly typical of discussion of the troubles of the last days. Of significance is the change of Christians into non-Christian enemies (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 218).
Didache 16.4 goes on to describe the coming of an Antichrist, who will do miracles and deceive the world (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 219). He takes over the rule of the world, committing godless works. The result, in verse five, is that humans will endure a time of testing, which will bring destruction on many (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 221). The destruction seems to Niederwimmer to refer to a falling away from the truth. However, the timing and nature of the destruction of some and the preservation of others is not entirely clear (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 222).
The apocalypse continues as there are signs detailed in Didache 16.6-7. Niederwimmer comments that the first sign, "a spreading out" in heaven is not altogether clear, but may likely refer to a cross (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 223). The second sign, a trumpet call, is more easily understood. The third sign is a resurrection of the dead, but not all of the dead (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 224). Rather, this resurrection, which Niederwimmer notes references Zechariah but repurposes it somewhat, is only of the dead in Christ (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 225). Finally, in verse eight, "the world will see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven" (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 226). This is a relatively common apocalyptic motif, which Niederwimmer thinks is more similar in its form to that in Matthew than in other sources.
10/18/24
Niederwimmer, Kurt. (1998). "IV: Eschatological Conclusion." In The Didache: A Commentary on the Didache. (pp. 207-227). (Original German 1989). Fortress Press. (Personal Library).
Niederwimmer divides Didache chapter 16 into two sections, with paraenesis in verses 1-2 and apocalyptic material in verses 3-8. He considers the abrupt stop at the end of verse 8 to indicate the actual end is missing (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 207). Niederwimmer observes a common view that the material in chapter 16 was originally a conclusion of the Two Ways material from chapters 1-6. However, documentation to defend this view is lacking. There may be dependence on Matthew 24, influence from Luke or Barnabas, or various portions of the Old Testament (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 209). Niederwimmer provides charts for comparison of ideas according to a number of possible theories.
Didache 16:1-2 rather abruptly calls for vigilance, without any signal of that vigilance being required due to anything previously introduced (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 214). The image of a burning lamp is used, along with that of not relaxing a belt. Both indicate the need to remain prepared for action (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 215).
The time of the end will be recognized by the presence of false prophets and corruption leading to strife (16.3-4a) (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 217). Niederwimmer notes the language used is fairly typical of discussion of the troubles of the last days. Of significance is the change of Christians into non-Christian enemies (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 218).
Didache 16.4 goes on to describe the coming of an Antichrist, who will do miracles and deceive the world (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 219). He takes over the rule of the world, committing godless works. The result, in verse five, is that humans will endure a time of testing, which will bring destruction on many (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 221). The destruction seems to Niederwimmer to refer to a falling away from the truth. However, the timing and nature of the destruction of some and the preservation of others is not entirely clear (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 222).
The apocalypse continues as there are signs detailed in Didache 16.6-7. Niederwimmer comments that the first sign, "a spreading out" in heaven is not altogether clear, but may likely refer to a cross (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 223). The second sign, a trumpet call, is more easily understood. The third sign is a resurrection of the dead, but not all of the dead (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 224). Rather, this resurrection, which Niederwimmer notes references Zechariah but repurposes it somewhat, is only of the dead in Christ (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 225). Finally, in verse eight, "the world will see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven" (Niederwimmer 1998, p. 226). This is a relatively common apocalyptic motif, which Niederwimmer thinks is more similar in its form to that in Matthew than in other sources.
RSS Feed