The Didache

So Monday I started a study with two men.  They are Church of Christ and like other studies I have done with that denomination they love the book of Acts.  It did not feel like much of a study but more like I was being taught a lesson.  Which is fine, I can handle that.

I asked questions that I have been looking into about sola scriptura.  I’m not sure which question or questions but basically I want to know who the authority is for determining doctrine.  If two people can honestly disagree on what a particular scripture means, then who can settle the point of contention?  He gave a brief history of the Christian faith but never really answered my question.

The more I listened to him, the more I wondered where his authority came from.  I also wondered if I could submit to an authority I believe to be unbiblical in some areas of doctrine.  And technically I am a part of a church where I do not agree with all the doctrines but I do not feel submissive.

I went home and read a little bit on the Internet.  One of the articles talked about Pope Clement I which lead me to his letter to the Corinthians.  This in turn lead me to the Didache which I read the following morning.  It is a short read but if it is really from the late 1st or early 2nd century then there are points of great interest to both Protestants and Catholics.

So last night I began reading the First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians.  I did not get very far before something caught my eye.

to the points respecting which you consulted us

The Corinthians had consulted the church regarding specific problems in their church.  And prior to asking the church, the church at Corinth had asked the Apostle Paul questions.  This leads us back to asking: Who do I ask for points of doctrinal concern?  If I do not like their answer then can’t I just move along to the next church until I find one I do like?  Doesn’t sound like a lot of unity going on.

There is a lot more reading to do.