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, Christian, Classics, 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

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is there strife and angry outbursts and dissension and schisms and conflict among you? Do we not have one God and one Christ and one Spirit of grace that was poured out upon us? And is there not one calling in Christ? Why do we tear and rip apart the members of Christ, and rebel against our own body, and reach such a level of insanity that we forget that we are members of one another? Remember the words of Jesus our Lord, for he said: "Woe to that person! Rather than cause one of my elect to sin, it would have been good for that one not to have been born. It would have been better for that person to have been tied to a millstone and cast into the sea, rather than pervert one of my elect." Your schism has perverted many; it has brought many to despair, plunged many into doubt, and caused all of us to sorrow. And yet your rebellion still continues!
1 Clement: 46: 5-9

You no doubt heard the old quip for the church: "People, if Paul were alive today, we would be receiving a letter!" Paul wrote to the Corinthians addressing the divisions reported by "Chloe's people." Scholars posit--and disagree, of course--that Paul wrote his letter around 53 AD. Clement writes another letter to the good people of Corinth about forty years later--scholars agree and argue about that too--because, evidently, they are still at the same shenanigans. Technically, the writing of Clement takes place at the same time that other writers were writing the books which would be incorporated into the New Testament canon (actually, in some early manuscripts, the first letter of Clement is included within the New Testament canon). Clement's writing is representative of the Apostolic Fathers, the earliest Christian works written in the first decades after the resurrection of Christ and the birth of the church.

Scholars note that the brief sermon which makes up 2 Clement is not likely written by the same author of 1 Clement. However, both writings are intriguing in how they argue about sound Christian practices and what scriptures they include to bolster their positions. At some points, the authors even use "scripture" whose source cannot be identified:

For the Lord says, "You will be like lambs among wolves." But Peter answered and said to him, "What if the wolves tear the lambs to pieces?" Jesus said to Peter, "After the lambs are dead, let them fear the wolves no longer, and as for you, do not fear those who, though they kill you, are not able to do anything else to you, but fear the one who, after you are dead, has the power to cast soul and body into the flames of hell."
2 Clement 5:2-4

The question arises: Is a reading of Clement a historical or spiritual enterprise? Historically, it's rich. It's interesting to read how a church often persecuted views the rudiments of faith and obedience. It is also fascinating to compare how Clement is like and unlike the writings of Paul and other New Testament authors. As for spiritual enrichment, Clement provides fascinating and creative ways to interpret scripture.

Bottom-line: These readings are interesting and intriguing. Highly recommend for anyone interested in the early writings of the church.

For when the pagans hear from our mouths the oracles of God, they marvel at their beauty and greatness. But when they discover that our actions are not worthy of the words we speak, they turn from wonder to blasphemy, saying that it is a myth and a delusion. For when they hear from us that God says, "It is no credit to you if you love those who love you, but it is a credit to you if you love your enemies and those who hate you," when they hear these things, they marvel at such extraordinary goodness. But when they see that we not only do not love those who hate us but do not even love those who love us, they scornfully laugh at us, and the Name is blasphemed.
2 Clement 13:3-4

[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!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad, I liked it a lot, but it is the least of the apostolic fathers that I've read. The shepherd of hermas, polycarp, and Ignatius were all much better and I give them 5 stars. Nonetheless Clement was captivating and holds much spiritual wisdom and I give him 4 stars.

[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.