What Does the Didache Teach About Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers?
1. Apostles in the Didache and the Bible
The Didache recognizes apostles as traveling ministers sent out for the work of the Gospel. In Didache 11:3–6, apostles are described as visitors who should be received as the Lord, yet their stay was to be temporary. If they lingered beyond two days or sought financial gain, they were considered false apostles. This reflects the early church’s need to safeguard against corruption while still honoring those who carried Christ’s message.
The Bible presents apostles as commissioned witnesses of the risen Christ. Jesus told his disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21). The apostles were foundational to the church, with their teaching forming the bedrock of Christian faith (Ephesians 2:20). The Didache shows continuity with this biblical model, while also developing practical guidelines for how local congregations should discern true apostolic authority.
The limitation placed on apostles in the Didache demonstrates that their role was transitional. They were essential to spreading the Gospel, but they were not meant to dominate local communities indefinitely. Instead, their ministry prepared the way for settled leadership rooted in the Word of God.
2. Prophets in the Didache and the Bible
Prophets in the Didache hold a distinctive and respected role. Didache 11:7–12 and 13:1–7 emphasize that prophets speak “in the Spirit,” and their words were to be tested by their lives. If a prophet ordered a table of food but did not partake of it, he was genuine; but if he sought personal gain, he was false. Prophets were also entitled to receive the first fruits as a form of support, connecting their role to the Old Testament priesthood (Numbers 18:12–13).
The Bible likewise shows prophets as mouthpieces of God. In the Old Testament, prophets called Israel to covenant faithfulness, often standing against kings and false worship (Jeremiah 1:9–10). In the New Testament, prophets are listed alongside apostles and teachers as gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). Prophecy builds up the body by calling believers to holiness and perseverance (1 Corinthians 14:3).
The Didache’s guidance on prophets reveals the tension of early church life: honoring the Spirit’s work while guarding against false claims. This balance reflects biblical warnings: “Do not despise prophecies, but test all things; hold on to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21).
3. Teachers in the Didache and the Bible
The Didache also highlights teachers as vital for the ongoing instruction of the church. While apostles and prophets were itinerant, teachers were often more rooted in communities. Didache 13:2–3 notes that teachers, like prophets, were worthy of support. They provided the consistent grounding in the commands of the Lord, echoing the Great Commission’s call to teach disciples “to observe everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
In the Bible, teachers are given as gifts to the church for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–12). James 3:1 warns that teachers will be judged more strictly, showing the weight of responsibility attached to their ministry. Teachers preserve sound doctrine, protect the flock, and pass on the apostolic faith to future generations.
The Didache reflects this biblical emphasis by placing teachers within the same category of respect and support as prophets. While prophets were charismatic figures, teachers ensured that the community was firmly established in truth. Together, they illustrate the complementarity of Spirit-led proclamation and orderly instruction.
4. Regulating Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers
One of the most striking features of the Didache is its careful regulation of apostles, prophets, and teachers. The church was to welcome these ministers but also discern their character and motives. Didache 11 warns against those who exploit hospitality or demand money, highlighting the danger of false prophets and false apostles.
The Bible provides similar safeguards. Jesus warned that “many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). Paul cautioned the church in Galatia against false apostles who preached a different gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). John likewise urged believers to “test the spirits to see if they are from God” (1 John 4:1).
By echoing these biblical concerns, the Didache demonstrates that the early church did not accept every claim to authority blindly. True ministers were to be measured by their conformity to the Gospel, their integrity of life, and their willingness to serve without exploiting the community. This balance of welcome and caution helped protect the church while fostering genuine Spirit-led ministry.
5. The Gospel Shape of Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers
At the heart of the Didache’s teaching on apostles, prophets, and teachers is the Gospel itself. Each role pointed to the Lordship of Jesus:
Apostles carried the message of Christ’s death and resurrection to new places (Acts 1:8).
Prophets called the church to holiness and readiness for the kingdom (Revelation 19:10).
Teachers grounded the community in the words of Jesus and the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:2).
The Bible shows that these ministries were never ends in themselves. They existed to build up the body of Christ and to keep the church centered on the Gospel. The Didache likewise understood these roles as temporary but necessary provisions for the church’s growth until the return of Christ.
Even the eschatological warnings of Didache 16 connect with this vision. Apostles, prophets, and teachers were to prepare believers for perseverance in trials, anchoring them in prayer and hope. The church’s ministry was never about power or prestige but about readiness for the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
The Didache provides a fascinating window into how the early church understood apostles, prophets, and teachers. It honored these ministries as vital for spreading the Gospel, calling the church to faithfulness, and grounding believers in truth. Yet it also established clear boundaries, warning against exploitation and false teaching.
The Bible confirms these patterns, presenting apostles, prophets, and teachers as gifts of Christ to his people. They exist not to glorify themselves but to point to Jesus, build up the body, and prepare the church for his return. For today’s church, the Didache is a reminder that leadership is measured not by title or power but by faithfulness to the Gospel and humble service in the Spirit.
Bible Verses About Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers
Ephesians 4:11–12, “And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 12:28, “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues.”
Acts 13:1, “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers.”
1 Thessalonians 5:20–21, “Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good.”
1 John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Matthew 24:11, “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.”
James 3:1, “Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.”
Galatians 1:8, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!”
Ephesians 2:20, “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.”
Revelation 19:10, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
