This study begins by exploring the meaning of the Didache against the backdrop of the “spiritualization” of sacrifice that was widespread as a Jewish response to the traditional piety of offering animal sacrifices. In order to insure a “pure sacrifice,” the Didache community was set up two distinct safeguards: no unbaptized or unreconciled person was admitted (DIDACHE 9: 5) and the confession of failings was to be held prior to the eucharist on the Lord's Day (DIDACHE 14: 1). These practices had the effect of enforcing the standards of holiness cherished by the community members. No one could keep coming week after week and repeatedly confess the same failing. Thus, for a community out of step with the rest of society, the confession of failings served to recall both backsliders and forgetters to the perfection (the Way of Life) to which they were called at the time of their preparation for baptism.
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