The Writings of St. Clement of Rome

by Clement of Rome, Charles H. Hoole (Translation)

Pope Clement I (fl. 96),also known as Saint Clement of Rome (in Latin, Clemens Romanus), is listed from an early date as a Bishop of Rome. He was the first Apostolic Father of the Church. Few details are known about Clement's life. According to Tertullian, Clement was consecrated by Saint Peter, and he is known to have been a leading member of the church in Rome in the late 1st century. Early church lists place him as the second or third bishop of Rome after Saint Peter. Clement's only genuine extant writing is his letter, 1 Clement (c. 96), to the church at Corinth, in response to a dispute in which certain presbyters of the Corinthian church had been deposed.

Genres: Christianity, Classics, Christian, History, Theology

36 pages, Paperback

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

[Jonny Swales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome insight into the early church, written contemporary to the New Testament writings. Clement reads just like an epistle, and his understanding, preaching and application of the Gospel is just as spot on.

This is a very pastoral letter that emphasises the importance of holiness and godliness, motivated by salvation by grace through faith alone in Christ Jesus. To achieve this goal in his letter, Clement draws heavily from the Old Testament stories and examples along with his own unique and very helpful imagery and pictures.

He also has some great things to say about the resurrection of Jesus in that fresh early church way that is so satisfying to the soul and once again a joyful reminder that our hope is historical, not mere hearsay or myth.

I read this in less than an hour in one sitting and highly recommend every Christian do the same!

[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.

[Jonathan Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable to read super short. A little difficult to track with but mostly an easy read.

[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.