1 Clement Chapters XVI - XXX

First Epistle to the Corinthians

Clement of Rome 

Chapters XVI – XXX

 

Previously in the Blog I noted that Clement's approach to this sedition is to point out to the church the tragedy of envy and what it does to relationships. From Cain and Abel, even through to his contemporary era, he dramatically illustrates the devastation that arises from envy and jealousy. Following true Apostolic fashion he calls for repentance. Again referring back to the Scriptures, Clement points out the blessings that came to the saints of the past that sought to obey Christ in these areas of relationships.

Now, Clement reminds us of the greatest example of humility: the Lord Jesus Christ. “For Christ is of those who are humble-minded, and not of those who exalt themselves over His flock.”[1] He then draws as support that classic passage in Isaiah 53, which Clement again attributes not just to Isaiah, but to the Holy Spirit Himself[2].   As a note, Dr. Coxe observes: “The reader will observe how often the text of the Septuagint, here quoted, differs from the Hebrew as represented by our authorized English version.”

The humility of the saints is another example that Clement employs, from Elijah to Moses.  An interesting observation from Chapter XVII is that Clement cites this quotation: ““I am but as the smoke of a pot,”[3] attributed to Moses.  This is likely a misquote and probably attributed to David, not Moses (“For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.” (Psalm 119:83, ESV)).  His point of calling out the witness of the saints is:

“Wherefore, having so many great and glorious examples set before us, let us turn again to the practice of that peace which from the beginning was the mark set before us; and let us look steadfastly to the Father and Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and surpassingly great gifts and benefactions of peace.”[4]

He continues his argument to show the ordered, harmonious operation of the Universe.

 In this call for peace by our author, one might presume that peace is the avoidance of conviction or conflict.  He clarifies this when he writes:

 “Let us rather offend those men who are foolish, and inconsiderate, and lifted up, and who glory in the pride of their speech, than [offend] God. Let us reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was given for us . . ..”[5]

 At Chapter XXIII Clement moves his argumentation to the fact that we ought to live in such a way as anticipating the return of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the dead unto judgment. “Having then this hope, let our souls be bound to Him who is faithful in His promises, and just in His judgments.”[6]  And again “Since then all things are seen and heard [by God], let us fear Him, and forsake those wicked works which proceed from evil desires; so that, through His mercy, we may be protected from the judgments to come.”[7]

 Clement calls us to draw near to God (direct language from the Book of Hebrews) and returns to his exhortation:

“Let us cleave, then, to those to whom grace has been given by God. Let us clothe ourselves with concord and humility, ever exercising self-control, standing far off from all whispering and evil-speaking, being justified by our works, and not our words.”[8]  

Clement, like the Apostle James understands that the verification and vindication of our salvation is more than just a profession of faith, but our manifestation of faith. “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18, ESV)

Clement continues to shore up is argument for humility and avoidance of strife and sedition by Scripture.  He follows the Septuagint most closely and willingly imports other literature into his argument.  In Chapter XXV he even brings a fable into the argument.[9]He is profoundly Christological and seems to clearly understand the outworking of the Gospel in the lives of Believers.

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[1] Schaff, Philip (2009-06-08). Ante-Nicene Fathers Volume 1 - Enhanced Version (Early Church Fathers) (Kindle Locations 570-571). Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Kindle Edition.

[2] Note in Chapter XXII, Clement attributes the Psalms to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Kindle Location 732)

[3] Ibid, (Kindle Locations 623-624).

[4] (Kindle Locations 673-676).

[5] (Kindle Locations 707-708).

[6] (Kindle Location 810).

[7] (Kindle Locations 836-838).

[8]  (Kindle Locations 869-871).

[9] This fable respecting the phœnix is mentioned by Herodotus (ii. 73) and by Pliny (Nat. Hist., x. 2.) and is used as above by Tertullian (De Resurr., §13) and by others of the Fathers.  (Kindle Locations 790-791)