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Lectio Studies

The Didache, or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

Chapter 7

4 sections

Unknown (Apostolic-era catechetical document)

Transcribed from a dated scan; artifacts may remain. Edition notes

Concerning baptism, baptise thus: Having first rehearsed all these things, “ baptise, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” in running water;

but if thou hast no running water, baptise in other water, and if thou canst not in cold, then in warm.

But if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head “in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

And before the baptism let the baptiser and him who is to be baptised fast, and any others who are able. And thou shalt bid him who is to be baptised to fast one or two days before.

Trans. Kirsopp Lake, The Apostolic Fathers, Volume I (Loeb Classical Library), 1912. Public domain.

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