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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Very good, with minor reservation, January 31, 2008 By  Stratiotes Doxha Theon "Στρ ... (Richmond, Missouri) - See all my reviews Dr. Varner has provided an enjoyable commentary on this ancient Christian text that will be useful to laymen and specialists alike. His translation approach is helpful especially for those of us less adept with the Greek. His passion for the topic is infectious and makes for an enjoyable read in the context of his story of discovery. Overall, Dr. Varner allows the text to speak for itself but on occasion his Evangelical assumptions show just a bit. For instance, his assertion that we not read too much into the word "sacrifice" with reference to the Eucharist and that we should see it as a sacrifice of praise and nothing more. This would be reasonable, perhaps, if we had no other early church reference to the Eucharist as a sacrifice. But this assumption that it is not referring to the Eucharist or the real presence flies in the face of works such as Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho where he very clearly identifies the Eucharist as a sacrifice (See Chapter 41 of that work). If we were to assume the Didache is using sacrifice in another way, then we would need to explain how the early church came to a very different understanding in a few short decades. It seems more likely that the author of the Didache was writing under assumptions and a context common to Justin Martyr's assumptions and context. In the rush to dismiss a discussion that may be difficult for Evangelicals by recommending we not read too much into the text, we fear the opposite error of reading too little into the text. Despite the subtle bias however, this is a very readable and enjoyable text providing a solid introduction to the early church. It will be an important addition and, no doubt, a standard text for Evangelical and other Protestant patristic studies. Many thanks for such an enjoyable and crisp read obviously fed by the deep waters of the church fathers. From this text it seem Dr. Varner is a great teacher and we can envy the students who will especially benefit from this text.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful: An Engaging Read, April 19, 2007 By  C. B. Kvidahl "ο λογο... (Glendora, CA United States) - See all my reviews    "The Way of the Didache: The First Christian Handbook," Dr. William Varner's new book, is an exciting and engaging look at one of the oldest non-canonical writings. Dr. Varner, professor of Bible and Greek at the Master's College, has spent the a number of years working through the Greek text of the Didache, both on his own and also with his intermediate Greek students at the Master's College. From the beginning of chapter one all the way until the end, the reader is brought along with Dr. Varner as he enthusiastically discusses the importance and relevance of the Didache for present day Christian studies. Probably the greatest strength of Dr. Varner's book is its accessibility to both seasoned scholars as well as to those who have never even heard the word Didache. In chapter one, Varner shares his exciting story of how he was able to get into the library of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch and secure a viewing of the 950-year-old codex Hierosolymitanus (or Codex H) that contained the only complete Greek copy of the Didache. Also, Dr. Varner explains how he came to writing this present book and why he felt that another book on the Didache was needed. In subsequent chapters Dr. Varner deals with issues concerning the rediscovering of the Didache (2), the text of the Didache (3), the translation of the Didache (4), the Scriptures of the Didache (5), The two ways of the Didache (6), the sacraments of the Didache (7), the ministers of the Didache (8), the theology of the Didache (9), and the lessons of the Didache (10). Some highlights of the book would include the Greek text of the Didache, which follows the critical text of Rordorf and Tuilier, as well as Dr. Varner's own analytical, yet "formal equivalent" translation of the text. Also, in what may be of interest to one studying the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, the chapter on the Scriptures of the Didache is a fascinating study. Probably the most controversial section of the book is contained in chapter five. Dr. Varner, after discussing the various views of the use of Matthew in the Didache, and picking up the theory of Andre Tuilier, proposes that instead of utilizing the Gospel of Matthew as we now have it, instead is using what Tuilier refers to as "The Gospel of the Lord." This theory is based on the words of Papias regarding Matthew's composition of his gospel. An advocate of the mysterious Q document would find an ally in Tuilier theory. The practical, as well as theological value of chapters six through cannot be fully stated in this review. But nonetheless, topics like baptism, the Eucharist, and eschatology are given considerable amount of discussion and thought. In all, Dr. Varner has succeeded in publishing a book that both the scholar and the layman can profit from. His writing style is engaging and informative, without dumbing down or using technical jargon that only Didache specialists can understand.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful: A taste of the early church, August 4, 2007 By  William L. Krewson (North Wales, PA USA) - See all my reviews    Dr. Varner, well known for his love of biblical background and languages, excels at unpacking one of the earliest documents of the Christian church. From a fresh translation into readable English, to a thematic treatment of its major motifs, to a systematic theological summary of its themes, to concordances of every Greek word and every topic, to copious endnotes, Varner has created the ultimate handbook on this ancient text. His chapter on his own personal lessons might be read first - it will motivate you to read on. My hat is off to one who has opened a window into the fresh days of Christianity's first generation.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)