Introduction to 1 Clement

(Adapted from Michael W. Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations [Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007] Third Edition, pp. 33-39)


Overview:

Letter from Christians in Rome to the Christians in Corinth. Written around the time John was completing the Book of Revelation, revealing much "of both the circumstances and attitudes of the Roman Christians, circumstances and attitudes that differ dramatically from those of their Christians sisters and brothers in Asia Minor to whom Revelation was addressed." (see Rev. 1:4)

Occasion:

"The same kind of of factiousness that Paul had earlier encountered in Corinth apparently flared up once again in that congregation near the end of the first century. It appears that some of the younger men in the congregation had provoked a revolt and succeeded in deposing the established leadership of the church (3:3; 44:6; 47:6)." Roman Christians heard about what happened and wrote this letter and also sent people to help resolve the issue, namely, mediators (63:3; 65: 1).

Author:

Tradition, specifically Eusebius (Church History 4.23.11.), identify the author as Clement of Rome, probably a bishop (overseer).

Date:

Evidence suggests it was penned anywhere from 70 to 100 CE. What is the "evidence"?

1. In chapters 5 and 6 the Neronian persecution (64-68 CE), which according to tradition included Peter and Paul among its victims, is a past event. (if it'is a "past event", then logically the letter is written after this evident.)

2. In 63:3, there is a reference to those "who form youth to old age have lived blameless lives among us."

3. Statements in 44:3-5 indicate that some of the leaders appointed by the apostles are still living.

Since the Neronian persecution is a past evident (so surely, it's after 68) and since some of the leaders appointed by the apostle themselves are still alive, this must date anywhere from 70 to 100.

Literary and Rhetorical Aspects:

In 58:2 the readers are asked to "accept our advice", indicating that the document was intended as a deliberate letter. It's mention of "appeal for peace and concord" suggests the theme of the letter is to resolve an issue, namely, the revolt of the young men in the congregation.

For support and authoritative, he appealed to Psalms and Genesis (in their Septuagint form) as well as traditions and words of Jesus which are not in the synoptic tradition. He also uses 1 Corinthians and Romans and Hebrews.

Reception of Letter:

We don't know how the Corinth church/congregation responded, but we do know that later Christian writers held this letter in high regard. It was often quoted and Clement of Alexandria considered it inspired. In fact, it was made part of the copies of the New Testament in Codex Alexandrinus and found in some manuscripts after Revelation and at times after the epistles.

Text:

It is survived either in part, large portions, or completely in Codex Alexandrinus, Codex Heirosolymitanus, Latin Translations, Syriac Translations, and Coptic Translations (as well at Patristic quotations).