Clement of Rome was one of the early fathers that began a new era in Christianity after the final books of the Bible were written. In the late first century AD, Clement became the Bishop of Rome (or a 4th pope) who was influenced by some of the apostles that he knew, including Peter and Paul. Although he is commemorated by the Catholic Church and canonized as a saint, he was not necessarily affiliated with them. That is if we look back in history to when the Church first came into existence.
One of the oldest Christian documents written outside of the New Testament were the letters of first and second Clement. His letters are believed to have been part of the Catholic canon to give apostolic authority to clergymen. However, Clement actually meant for the Presbyters to become leaders of the church after they were appointed by the apostles. The letters that he wrote were merely written in support of the New Testament, especially Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
In Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians
Paul addresses to the church these things that are considered unrighteous, how they defile us and are against the spirit, and how those who practice these deeds will not be worthy to inherit God’s kingdom. Since we are considered to be God’s temple, Paul mentions in his letter what these apparent things are:
Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from Satan that he pleaded for God to take away. But the Lord kept it there to keep him from becoming conceited, so he could extol more gladly in his weaknesses and for the power of Christ to rest on him. God brings to power his spirit through the difficulties we face, the sufferings we endure, and the heavy burdens that we carry, all for the sake of living in him. By no means does Paul advise us to practice any of these deeds, but the more trouble you have with those things, the better his spirit is working in you, to do and complete his will for your life, and ultimately, to fulfill God’s promises.
As a result of the darkness in our lives, Paul makes clear that it brings forth light for those who believe he is Lord. So while our mortal body carries around the death of Christ, it is for the sake of his life to also be revealed in our body. Therefore, even though death is at work in us, life is also at work in us for those who trust in him.
Now we can understand that we are not crushed but weighed down; we are not put in despair but perplexed; we are not destroyed but struck down; and though we may be persecuted, we are not forsaken (2 Corinthians 4:8). So be sure not to lose heart because of our outer self wasting away, for our inner self is being renewed each day. Those who endure much affliction is meant to prepare them for his eternal purposes, to bring them abundance in life, and to overcome obstacles that prevent his will from being done.
However, he doesn’t demand us to become abundant in the world or to even prosper in ways that infuse righteous works in our life. So instead of laying up treasures on earth, we should seek treasures that are in heaven; for where your treasure is, your heart will also be (Mathew 19:20-21).
Yet we know that by the grace of God, although he was rich, he became poor for your sake so that by his state of poverty, you can become abundant, or be rich in his glory. Although many people are troubled in different areas of life, this abundance speaks of becoming rich in spirit after their problems have lingered for long periods of time. It is true that God favors a broken heart, or the poor in spirit, which is why they become abundant, both in grace and knowledge.
After reading the book of Corinthians, Clement did not contradict the things that Paul wrote. Neither did he impact the Bible with his own writings or add anything to it. He simply supported the canon of scripture with his own message to the Corinthian church. In fact, Clement would oppose the Catholic Church by what he knew was contrary to its teachings. Clement clearly supports Paul’s message to the church in his letter which he writes:
bibleoutlook.net
One of the oldest Christian documents written outside of the New Testament were the letters of first and second Clement. His letters are believed to have been part of the Catholic canon to give apostolic authority to clergymen. However, Clement actually meant for the Presbyters to become leaders of the church after they were appointed by the apostles. The letters that he wrote were merely written in support of the New Testament, especially Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
In Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians
Paul addresses to the church these things that are considered unrighteous, how they defile us and are against the spirit, and how those who practice these deeds will not be worthy to inherit God’s kingdom. Since we are considered to be God’s temple, Paul mentions in his letter what these apparent things are:
Despite all these things that Paul warned about to the church, he makes further note that we become stronger through weakness. For the more your sins have increased, the greater you can depend on God to deliver you from them. However, the more you do struggle with sin, the worse it can manifest affliction in your life that may cause hardships. Affliction can also bring you comfort in ways that encompass the same experiences that Paul went through.
Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from Satan that he pleaded for God to take away. But the Lord kept it there to keep him from becoming conceited, so he could extol more gladly in his weaknesses and for the power of Christ to rest on him. God brings to power his spirit through the difficulties we face, the sufferings we endure, and the heavy burdens that we carry, all for the sake of living in him. By no means does Paul advise us to practice any of these deeds, but the more trouble you have with those things, the better his spirit is working in you, to do and complete his will for your life, and ultimately, to fulfill God’s promises.
As a result of the darkness in our lives, Paul makes clear that it brings forth light for those who believe he is Lord. So while our mortal body carries around the death of Christ, it is for the sake of his life to also be revealed in our body. Therefore, even though death is at work in us, life is also at work in us for those who trust in him.
Now we can understand that we are not crushed but weighed down; we are not put in despair but perplexed; we are not destroyed but struck down; and though we may be persecuted, we are not forsaken (2 Corinthians 4:8). So be sure not to lose heart because of our outer self wasting away, for our inner self is being renewed each day. Those who endure much affliction is meant to prepare them for his eternal purposes, to bring them abundance in life, and to overcome obstacles that prevent his will from being done.
However, he doesn’t demand us to become abundant in the world or to even prosper in ways that infuse righteous works in our life. So instead of laying up treasures on earth, we should seek treasures that are in heaven; for where your treasure is, your heart will also be (Mathew 19:20-21).
Yet we know that by the grace of God, although he was rich, he became poor for your sake so that by his state of poverty, you can become abundant, or be rich in his glory. Although many people are troubled in different areas of life, this abundance speaks of becoming rich in spirit after their problems have lingered for long periods of time. It is true that God favors a broken heart, or the poor in spirit, which is why they become abundant, both in grace and knowledge.
After reading the book of Corinthians, Clement did not contradict the things that Paul wrote. Neither did he impact the Bible with his own writings or add anything to it. He simply supported the canon of scripture with his own message to the Corinthian church. In fact, Clement would oppose the Catholic Church by what he knew was contrary to its teachings. Clement clearly supports Paul’s message to the church in his letter which he writes:
bibleoutlook.net
