Editing Didache (section)

====Baptism====
The second part (chapters 7 to 10) begins with an instruction on [[baptism]], the sacramental rite that admits someone into the Christian Church.{{sfn|Cross|Livingstone|2005|p=151}} Baptism is to be conferred "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"<ref name="Trinitarian Baptismal Formula"/> with triple immersion in "living water" (that is, flowing water, probably in a stream).{{sfn | White | 2006 | p=794}} If this is not practical, baptism in cold or even warm water is acceptable. If the water is insufficient for immersion, it may be poured three times on the head (affusion). The baptized and the baptizer, and, if possible, anyone else attending the ritual should fast for one or two days beforehand.

The New Testament is rich in metaphors for baptism but offers few details about the practice itself, not even whether the candidates professed their faith in a formula.{{sfn | Johnson | 2006 | pp=36–38}} The ''Didache'' is the oldest extra-biblical source for information about baptism, but it, too lacks these details.{{sfn | Johnson | 2006 | pp=36–38}} The Two Ways section of the ''Didache'' is presumably the sort of ethical instruction that catechumens (students) received in preparation for baptism.{{sfn | Johnson | 2006 | pp=36–38}}