The Writings of Clement of Rome

by Clement of Rome

Who the Clement was to whom these writings are ascribed, cannot with absolute certainty be determined. The general opinion is, that he is the same as the person of that name referred to by St. Paul (Phil. iv.3). The writings themselves contain no statement as to their author. The first, and by far the longer of them, simply purports to have been written in the name of the church at Rome to the church at Corinth. But in the catalogue of contents prefixed to the ms. they are both plainly attributed to one Clement; and the judgment of most scholars is, that, in regard to the first epistle at least, this statement is correct, and that it is to be regarded as an authentic production of the friend and fellow worker of St. Paul. This belief may be traced to an early period in the history of the church. It is found in the writings of Eusebius (Hist. Eccl., iii.15), of Origen (Comm. in Joan., i.29), and others. The internal evidence also tends to support this opinion. The doctrine, style, and manner of thought are all in accordance with it; so that, although, as has been said, positive certainty cannot be reached on the subject, we may with great probability conclude that we have in this epistle a composition of that Clement who is known to us from Scripture as having been an associate of the great apostle.

Genres: Christianity, Classics, Christian, History, Theology

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Pope Clement I is also known as Saint Clement of Rome, is listed as Bishop of Rome, holding office from 88 to his death in 99. He is considered to be the first Apostolic Father of the Church.

Also known as Clemens Romanus

Reviews

[Michael Langer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an insightful pair of documents attesting to the issues facing late-first-century Christians, including pride, division, and orthodoxy.

1 Clement contains a rhetorically brilliant approach to speaking against division based on:
- it runs counter to image bearing
- it negates the work of Christ in reconciliation
- it manifests sin rather than holiness
- it damages public witness
- it tramples the essence of love

Additionally, the heavy use of both OT and NT passages shows the authority already being given to the early texts and that the church of Christ is built upon the redemptive work of God in the OT, which points to Christ.

2 Clement is a brief sermon on not only holding fast to Christ but "entering the contest." This is properly understood as the call to engage the mission of Christ in evangelism and in building a new oikonomia that outshines the Roman model. Do not sit on the sidelines but compete.

[Josh Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not go through this critically, although one can find the answers to questions such as, “How much of the canon was accessible?” “What kind of church structure was in Corinth as well as Rome?” “What kind of soteriology did the early fathers hold?” All these are important questions. However, reading this for its intent reminds us to be in unity and to look to the example of scripture to fight for church order and peace in love. Excellent.

[Alexander Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great wisdom from an ancient church father. Good stuff and quite evangelical.

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure rating this ancient letter is appropriate. It’s value lies in its age and that it reflects the Christians around 96 AD, the assumed date of the letter.

[Tony Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and interesting read from a man that more than likely knew Peter and possibly Paul, but definitely knew Christ and His love.

[Jason Milich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

What happened in Corinth after Paul's letters? Read to find out. It has a few quotable moments as well a reference to phoenixes.