1 Clement Chapters XLVI - LIX

First Epistle to the Corinthians

 Clement of Rome

Chapters XLVI – LIX

 

As noted by Ross Amy, this Epistle of Clement is really an exhortation or a sermon.  His sermon is to confront the sedition in Corinth.  He shows the congregation the tragedy of envy and what it does to relationships. He points out the blessings that came to the saints of the past that sought to obey Christ and also mimic Christ in these areas of relationships. He reminds his listeners that Christ is returning; and there comes with that resurrection and judgment. True faith ought to be evidenced by peace and love.

Clement’s approach is to point out the true order that Christ has established for the church. Implied is his warning that those who rise up in rebellion and rebelling against Christ.

 

The sadness of this situation is that it seems to be more grievous than what Paul dealt with in his First Letter to Corinth.  (Clement surely believed that this letter of Paul was inspired: “Truly, under the inspiration of the Spirit.”[1]).  It was grievous because the dispute even reached the broader community.  Whenever the reputation of Christ is marred it is a indignity.  Clement then calls for a return to a state of brotherly love[2] and repentance[3].   He points to the love of Moses who was willing to intercede with God for the preservation of Israel (Exodus 32).  He appeals to us to live out this ethic:

 “If on my account sedition and disagreement and schisms have arisen, I will depart, I will go away whithersoever ye desire, and I will do whatever the majority commands; only let the flock of Christ live on terms of peace with the presbyters set over it.”[4]

 

He provides examples of such love both from an Apocryphal story of Judith; and of the Old Testament example of Esther  who was prepared to die to preserve her people.  He calls those who are acting in seditious ways to submit to correction and submit to the Church:

 

“Ye therefore, who laid the foundation of this sedition, submit yourselves to the presbyters, and receive correction so as to repent, bending the knees of your hearts. Learn to be subject, laying aside the proud and arrogant self-confidence of your tongue. For it is better for you that ye should occupy a humble but honourable place in the flock of Christ, than that, being highly exalted, ye should be cast out from the hope of His people.”[5]

 Clement concludes this exhortation with a blessing and a hope to hear that things have gone well.

 As to issues of authority, Clement rests heavily on Scripture which he readily acknowledges as inspired by the Holy Spirit.  He quotes from other sources including the Apocrypha but gives no evidence of its inspiration.  This is an argument from silence, I admit.  He clearly sees the authority of the church residing in presbyters of which I have shown elsewhere is synonymous with elders, bishops, and pastors.

 

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[1] Schaff, Philip (2009-06-08). Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1 - Enhanced Version (Early Church Fathers) (Kindle Locations 1289-1290). Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Kindle Edition.

[2] “Ye see, beloved, how great and wonderful a thing is love, and that there is no declaring its perfection.” -  Schaff, Philip (2009-06-08). Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1 - Enhanced Version (Early Church Fathers) (Kindle Location 1344). Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Kindle Edition.

[3] Ibid, (Kindle Locations 1382-1383).

[4] Ibid, (Kindle Locations 1423-1425).

[5] Ibid, (Kindle Locations 1496-1500).