Of the many extra-biblical books, whether they be gospels, letters, apologies or else, only one first century text exists. The only non New Testament book written in the first century is that of 1 Clement. This letter is therefore immensely important as it gives us a glimpse into the earliest days of the Church.
In spite of Nero’s persecution, the church in Rome continued to grow and because Peter and Paul had both preached and been martyred there, Rome gained a special status in the early church. One of the elders and leaders of the church in Rome was Clement. Clement of Rome (if the same person) was a fellow worker with Paul in the ministry of the gospel and is mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Philippians 4:3). Clement at some point settled in Rome and to some degree took on the responsibility that Paul had done in looking after the churches. Clement stood in the line of apostolic succession although he didn’t claim to have the same authority as Paul.
There are two letters that were attributed to Clement and these are labelled 1 Clement and 2 Clement respectively. Whereas 2 Clement was clearly written later and by a different author, 1 Clement is a genuine and ancient letter. The letter of 1 Clement is technically anonymous but Irenaeus later records that Clement was the author. Irenaeus writing about 180AD has Clement following Linus and Anicletus as the third bishop of Rome. He refers to the letter as being older than the Gnostics who were propagating false teachings. Interestingly Irenaeus quips that Clement “might be said to have the preaching of the apostles still echoing [in his ears], and their traditions before his eyes” (Against Heresies vol 3, 3:3). As mentioned the letter is anonymous being addressed simply from the church of God which sojourns at Rome, to the church of God which sojourns at Corinth. Therefore this was likely written on behalf of the elders of Rome, with Clement acting as the spokesperson.
It appears that under Domitian the Church of Rome also encountered persecution and hardships. Clement describes sudden serious and calamitous events that befell the church (1:1). He also records how certain women among them were persecuted and after suffering horrific tortures finished their courses (6:2). It is because of the recent events that the Church in Rome was late in responding to an issue that had arisen in Corinth.
Around this time a dispute arose in the church of Corinth. Instigated by one or two individuals, the church was incited to remove certain elders from their positions. Coming to their attention the church in Rome decided to write to the church in Corinth. Clement’s letter addresses many things, but the key message is that they should submit to the elders, which were appointed by the Apostles. They are therefore to repent of their actions and restore the elders to their former position. Clement and the elders of Rome sent the letter by the hand of Claudius Ephebus, Valerius Bito and Fortunatus. These are sent to deliver the letter and oversee its implementation. The Corinthians once they had re-established good order amongst themselves, were to send these men back to Rome.
The letter of 1 Clement is a relatively long book at 65 chapters. These chapters however are not as lengthy as New Testament chapters. In terms of word count, Clement is about the same as the book of Revelation, which comes in at 22 chapters, and interestingly was written about the same time (96AD). The letter shows a great deal of affection and pastoral care, with Clement frequently referring to the Corinthians as beloved.
The letter of Clement begins by explaining the delay in responding to the situation in Corinth. The church in Rome has recently experienced hardship and persecution which had delayed them. They were now in the position to respond to the circumstances. There are two purposes to the letter. First is to address matters of dispute that had arisen amongst them. Second and more importantly was to address the rebellion against their elders. Clement describes this as unholy sedition that is alien to the church and the result of self-willed and rash individuals who had stoked it up.
Clement goes on to praise the Corinthians for their faith, maturity and reputation for good works (1:2-2:8). They are an ancient church with a great reputation however this is now being slandered. For Clement the recent events are the result of complacency which has led to jealousy and division (3:1-2). Though different there are parallels with Ephesus which was also a great church that though persisting in sound doctrine and good works had lost its first love (Revelation 2:1-7). In Corinth it was those of the congregation that were worthless, foolish and young that had stirred up dissension which led to the honourable, wise and elderly leaders being deposed. The result was disorder and ungodliness (3:3-4).
Having identified the issue of jealousy Clement goes on to list several Old Testament examples from Cain and Abel down to Saul and David (4:1-13). He then turns to more recent examples that had been demonstrated in his own generation. These are the Apostles who were persecuted and put to death. The two example he gives are that of Peter and Paul. The reason given for their deaths he also puts down to jealousy. They faced opposition of many trials and having given their testimony and endured to the end passed onto glory. In addition to the apostles Clement describes Christian women amongst them who more recently suffered torture and death.
Having established his main points Clement expounds on the reason for his writing. He isn’t writing to single out the Corinthians but clarifies that these exhortations are for us too. We are in the same arena fighting the same battles. Therefore he is writing to remind them of what they already know (53:1). The exhortation is for us to lay aside vain cares and come to the rule of faith, looking to what is good and pleasing to God. We are to fix our eyes on the blood of Christ, which was poured out for salvation, bringing grace and repentance to the world (7:1-4). Clement then turns to a discourse on repentance leading to forgiveness. As before he does so by surveying examples from both the Old Testament and the time of Christ (7:5-8:5).
With the principle of repentance demonstrated, Clement exhorts them to repent of their jealousy and division. In doing so they are to look to the godly examples of faith found in the scriptures (9:1-12:8). He further exhorts them to humility by laying aside all arrogance and wrath (13:1-4). To drive his point home, they are to obey God and not man and this is seen by submitting to the elders which God has appointed and not the rebellious men who have deposed them. They are to cleave to the piously peaceful elders and not the hypocrites who claim they want peace whilst bringing division. For ultimately it is the humble who receive grace and show themselves to belong to the flock of Christ (14:1-16:17). As before he then turns to the Old Testament to provide examples of humility (17:1-18:14). He then looks to the great men of his own generation showing the benefits of submission and obedience. The ultimate example is that of the apostles before him, who received the oracles of Christ in fear and truth (19:1).
Clement therefore challenges them not to take the grace of God for granted. They are not to accept the proud who boast in their words and not in God. Rather they are to reverence Christ whose blood was given for us. Therefore they are to respect the elders who rule over them an honour the aged (21:1-9).
At this point Clement changes tact providing instruction in the faith. He turns to the promises of God and in particular the hope of the resurrection. In light of these precious promises they are to draw near to God in holiness forsaking pride. They are to follow Jesus in living righteously and serving others. Clement goes on to give a lengthy discourse replete with scripture. He exhorts them to live for God and details what that entails.
Clement then returns to the main issue of the deposed elders. Having looked into the divine knowledge it is abundantly clear we are to do what the master has commanded us. Clement remarks that the Apostles preached to us and they in turn were taught by Christ. Christ is from God and the apostles from Christ and this is God’s appointed order. Having been assured of the resurrection and confirmed by scripture, the apostles went forth preaching the gospel of the kingdom. As they went they established the first of their converts as elders and deacons over the future believers. Moreover those first elders established by the apostles, would appoint others as they went (42:1-5). Now the apostles foresaw that there would be strife for the title of bishop and thus established a method for appointing future elders. Those who had themselves been appointed were afterwards to appoint others, who had proved themselves, and appoint them with the consent of the church. For this reason Clement and those with him, see it as unjust to remove from office, those who had been appointed by the apostles and their successors. It is no small sin to depose those who had been appointed to the office of elder, if they had done nothing wrong. For it is apparent to Clement that the Corinthians have removed those from ministry who had been blameless in the good service they had done (44:1-6). Clement encourages them to search the scriptures and they will find that the holy men are never denounced by the righteous but only by the wicked (45:1-7). Clement then appeals to Paul’s letter to them. Paul taught that they were united by one God, one Lord and one Spirit and that they were members of one body. Now they were tearing apart the body parts and causing strife against the body. Moreover formerly there was dissension and division over who to follow but that was less severe than what is now going on. They disputed which apostle to follow but now they have shamefully removed elders corrupting not only their own reputation but that of the church. Clement reports that this incident hasn’t just come to the church in Rome but those who oppose the church (46:1-47:7).
In light of all that has happened Clement directs them to repentance and to seek forgiveness. He then sets forth love as the true standard of Christianity and shows how love and unity go hand in hand, leaving no place for jealousy and division. It is through the love of God that they have received forgiveness of sins and having received his love they are to walk in love. Clement then gives clear instructions to those responsible for the events. They are to submit to the elders, receive correction and repent of their pride and folly. If they do so there shall be no regret for those that do so show themselves truly to belong to God. However if they fail to do so they will face the judgement of God who will act for those of the flock who truly belong to him.
As Clement concludes he ends with a note of hope. In his letter he has touched upon all important aspects of faith and is confident that those he has written to are mature and know the scripture. Therefore he is confident that they will root out the wicked sedition and jealousy and make them glad. Moreover he has sent faithful, wise and mature men who will bear witness. He ends his letter with a prayer of benediction and after some concluding remarks proclaims the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them.
We do not hear of any follow up to the letter of Clement, however the Churches of Rome and Corinth would enjoy a long and close relationship. Later bishops of Corinth would refer back to the epistle and the implication is that it was well received and treasured. It can be assumed that the letter was a success and that the Corinthians acted upon it. The fact that individuals such as Irenaeus refer to it show that it was copied and widely circulated. Later Clement of Alexandria would refer to Clement of Rome as an apostle. He also extensively quoted from him utilising the letter in the same way as the New Testament scriptures. The letter was also included in 5th century great bible: Codex Alexandrinus, where it is appended to the end of the New Testament.