Pope St. Clement I of rome
quotes from Pope Clement I of Rome→
Saint Clement I of Rome is listed by Irenaeus and Tertullian as the fourth Pope, or bishop of Rome, holding office from 88 AD to his death in 99 AD. He is said to have been consecrated by Peter the Apostle and is considered the first Apostolic Father of the Church, along with Polycarp and Ignatius of Antioch. Also Dionysius of Corinth and Irenaeus of Lyon both viewed Clement as a monarchial bishop who intervened in the dispute in the church of Corinth. He is the author of the First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians (1st Clement) and a second letter known as Second Clement (2nd Clement). His first letter to the Corinthians, which is one of the oldest extant Christian documents outside the New Testament, was read in church, along with other epistles, some of which later became part of the Christian canon.
According to tradition, Clement was imprisoned under the Emperor Trajan; during this time he is recorded to have led a ministry among fellow prisoners. Thereafter he was executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea. Later Tradition has identified him as the Clement that Paul mentioned in Philippians 4:3.
Extant Works:
- First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
- Second Epistle (spurious)
- Two Epistles Concerning Virginity (spurious)
- Recognitions (spurious)
- Clementine Homilies (spurious)
Quotes & Excerpts:
“(The Apostles) preached through town and countryside, appointing the earliest converts, testing them by the Spirit, to be the
bishops and deacons of future believers. Nor was this a novelty, for bishops and deacons had been
written about a long time earlier.”
– Letter of Clement to the Corinthians 42:4-5
(Written 96 A.D.)
“Love unites us to God.. Love makes no schism; love does not quarrel;
love does everything in unity.” – The First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians
“The Apostles knew
through our Lord lesus Christ that there would be strife for the office of bishop. For this reason, therefore… they appointed the aforesaid persons and afterwards added the further provision that, if they should die, other approved men should succeed to their ministry. -First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians 44:1-3
“If anyone disobey the things which have been said by Him through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger.. .. You will afford us joy and gladness if being obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy. – First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians, Ch. 59
(Written ca 80-96 A.D.)
“This is the way, beloved, in which we found our salvation, Jesus Christ, the High Priest of our offerings.”
– The First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians
“For whatever our transgressions… let us pray that we may be forgiven, for it is good for a man to confess his failings rather than to harden his heart… you, therefore, who laid the foundation of the rebellion, submit to the presbyters and be chastened to repentance, bending your knees in a spirit of humility.” -First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians
“Our sin will not be small if we eject from the episcopate those who blamelessly and holily have offered its Sacrifices.”
-First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians 44:1
“Let us therefore join with those to whom grace is given by God. Let us clothe ourselves in concord, being humble and self- controlled, keeping ourselves far from all backbiting and slander,
being justified by works and not by words..
Why was our Father Abraham blessed? Was it not because of his deeds of justice
and truth, wrought in faith?”
-First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians 30:3. 31:2
“We have said enough, on the necessity of repentance, unity, peace; for we have been speaking to the faithful, who have deeply studied the Scriptures, and will understand the examples pointed out, and will follow them. We shall indeed be happy if you obey. We have sent two venerable messengers, to show how great
is our anxiety for peace among you.”
-First Letter of Clement to the Corinhians 62-4
“Let us mark the whole host of the angels,
how they stand by and minister unto His Will. For the Scripture saith: Ten thousand times ten thousand stood by Him, and thousands of thousands
ministered unto Him; and they cried aloud: Holy. holy. holy is the Lord of Sabaoth; all creation is full of His glory Yea, and let us ourselves then, being gathered together in concord with
intentness of heart, cry unto Him.”
– The First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians 32-33
“The Church of God which sojourns in Rome to the Church of God which sojourns in Corinth.. Owing to the sudden and repeated calamities and misfortunes which have befallen us, we must acknowledge that we have been somewhat tardy in turning our attention to the matters in dispute among you.. Accept our counsel and you will have nothing to regret.” -First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians 1, 58
(Written ca 80-96 A.D.)
“(Christ) has commanded the offerings and services to be celebrated, not carelessly nor in disorder, but at
fixed times and hours. He has, moreover,
determined where and by whom He wants them to be carried out, so that all may be done in a holy manner, according to His will.”
-First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians 40:1