The Testamentum Domini is an example of the literature collectively known as the “church orders.” The definition of a church order is uncertain, and there is scholarly debate even regarding the legitimacy of the term, but it conveniently covers a number of documents that have in common an aim to direct the conduct of Christians and of the church on the basis of an appeal to tradition derived from or mediated through the apostles (Apostle/Disciple). This is what the Testamentum does; it describes the building of a chur…