Thematic Relationship Between Didache 16.1–8 and Matthew 24–25
I hit a great point in my commentary writing this summer. Overall, this process has been quite enjoyable, and I may offer public comments on what the process has looked like.
Here is a small piece from the Didache commentary depicts the thematic relationship between Did. 16 and Matt 24–25. If you find more connections or discontinuous elements, feel free to contact me.
Much of the thematic material is likewise found in the Matthean Olivet Discourse (Matt 24–25). The following analysis highlights the thematic similarities and dissimilarities between Did. 16 and the Matthean Olivet Discourse.
From this brief and surface level analysis, it becomes readily obvious that Did. 16 has much in common with the Olivet discourse and much in disagreement. Vicky Balabanski observes the following about the relationship between Did. 16 and Matt 24:
“Didache 16, like other Christian writings from this era, shows a remarkable freedom to rearrange, interpret and omit material drawn from Matthew 24 and elsewhere in the Gospel, as well as the freedom to supplement it form other sources.”[1]
Thus, in no way does the Didache seek to supplant the teachings of Matthew,[2] but to reflect an early, and quite common, eschatological position.
Thus, although the Didache may show thematic, and at times verbal, symmetry with the Didache, it does not appear to be bound to the teachings of Matthew or reflect using Matthew. The symmetry can appeal to common Jesus tradition and a general awareness of 1st century eschatological traditions.
The amount of thematic differences and thematic nuances speak to the lack of using Matthean traditions (textual or oral). There remains a considerable amount of freedom. If you glance at the two columns, I offered Didache material in order of its appearance. Yet, its Matthean counterpart is quite scattered in and throughout Matt 24–25. The Didachist, even if there is purposeful use of Matthew, demonstrate a freedom to rearrange, freedom to modify, and even offer interpretive comments to the Matthean tradition.
[1] Vicky Balabanski, Eschatology in the Making: Mark, Matthew, and the Didache, Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series 97 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997), 197.
[2] Balabanski, Eschatology in the Making, 197.
