Be Not a Christmonger!
Ancient Wisdom from the Didache
The other day, I was reading through the Didache, where I came upon an unusual expression which I had not noticed before.
Have a look at this passage in Didache 12.1-5, which instructs churches on how to deal with itinerant apostles, prophets, and teachers.
But everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, let him be welcomed. And then, having tested him you will know him. Then you will be able to distinguish whether he is true or false. 2 If the one coming is a traveler help him as much as you are able. But he shall remain not among you more than two or three days, if he has need. 3 And if he desires to stay with you, being an artisan, let him work and let him earn his keep. 4 And if he has no craft, take this into consideration according to your understanding how he shall live among you as a Christian without being idle. 5 And if he does not want to act in this way, he is a Christmonger. Beware of such as these. (trans. Rick Brannan).
In other translations, it says “he is trading on Christ” (M. Holmes) or “he is making traffic of Christ” (K. Lake), which don’t quite have the same gripping language as the derisive title “Christmonger.”
The Greek word is χριστέμπορος (christemporos) which means “one who carries on a cheap trade in (the teachings of) Christ” (BDAG).
In context, the passage warns of a traveler who claims to be a Christian, who seeks the hospitality of a church, yet who overstays their welcome, and proves to be idle and indolent.
The lesson is:
Beware of those who attempt to mooch on churches while claiming to be visiting teachers or preachers.
Beware of those whose commitment to Christ is based on what it can get them.
Beware of those whose allegiance to Christ is transactional in that they use the name of Christ to barter their way into places of privilege and power.
Beware of those who attempt to use the name of Christ to gain wealth or to escape honest work.
Beware of those who trade on the name of Christ without walking in Christ’s way.
If you want to watch a really cool video about the Didache, see below. It’s my most popular video by far!
Well done! I loved the video! As always, I learned something new. An invaluable document that relates to today.