Category:1 Clement (text)

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The First Letter of Clement is an early Christian document, included in collections of Apostolic Fathers.

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Overview

The letter is attributed to Clement of Rome, the fourth Bishop of Rome according to the Christian tradition. It is particularly concerned about divisions and seditions that have happened in the Church of Corinth. The letter shows how the traditions of Peter and Paul are coming together.

Major themes

"The Church of God which sojourns at Rome, to the Church of God sojourning at Corinth"

The author is particularly concerned about "divisions" within the Church and recommend unity under the Bishops. He refers to both Peter and Paul as models of faith.

"For we are struggling in the same arena, and the same conflict is assigned to both of us ... Let us look steadfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God, which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world ... (ch.7)

"The ministers of the grace of God have, by the Holy Spirit, spoken of repentance; and the Lord of all things has himself declared with an oath regarding it, "As I live, says the Lord, I desire not the death of the sinner, but rather his repentance;" (ch.8)

Justification is by faith. "And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Good Works are what is expected by people who have been justified: "What shall we do, then, brethren? Shall we become slothful in well-doing, and cease from the practice of love?"

The apostolic succession: "The apostles have preached the Gospel to us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ [has done sol from God. Christ therefore was sent forth by God, and the apostles by Christ. Both these appointments, then, were made in an orderly way, according to the will of God. Having therefore received their orders, and being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established in the word of God, with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand. And thus preaching through countries and cities, they appointed the first-fruits [of their labours], having first proved them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons of those who should afterwards believe." (ch.42)

"Let us then also pray for those who have fallen into any sin, that meekness and humility may be given to them, so that they may submit, not to us, but to the will of God." (ch.57)