Skip to main content
← Return to the Didache
DidacheThe Two Ways

Chapter 5

5.1

The way of death is this. First of all, it is evil and laden with a curse: murder, adultery, lust, sexual immorality, theft, idolatry, magic, sorcery, robbery, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, arrogance, malice, self-will, greed, obscene speech, jealousy, brazenness, haughtiness and boastfulness.

5.2

They persecute the good, hate truth, love falsehood, do not know the reward of righteousness, do not hold fast to the good or to just judgement, and are watchful not for good but for evil. Gentleness and patience are far from them. They love futile things, pursue recompense, show no mercy to the poor, show no concern for the oppressed, do not know the one who made them, murder children, destroy what God has formed, turn away from anyone in need, oppress those in distress, advocate for the rich, act as lawless judges of the poor, and sin in every way. Children, may you be delivered from all these things.

Stromata Editions · Didache · Ancient Greek text and English translation