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Clement of Rome
The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
[2] In the only known ms. of this Epistle, the title is thus given at the close.
Chapter I.—The salutation. Praise of the Corinthians before the breaking forth of schism among them.
[3] [Note the fact that the Corinthians asked this of their brethren, the personal friends of their apostle St. Paul. Clement’s own name does not appear in this Epistle.]
[4] Literally, “is greatly blasphemed.”
[5] Literally, “did not prove your all-virtuous and firm faith.”
Chapter II.—Praise of the Corinthians continued.
[8] Literally, “ye embraced it in your bowels.” [Concerning the complaints of Photius (ninth century) against Clement, see Bull’s Defensio Fidei Nicænæ, Works, vol. v. p. 132.]
[10] So, in the ms., but many have suspected that the text is here corrupt. Perhaps the best emendation is that which substitutes συναισθήσεως, “compassion,” for συνειδήσεως, “conscience.”
[13] Literally, “enlargement”
[15] It seems necessary to refer αὐτοῦ to God, in opposition to the translation given by Abp. Wake and others.
[16] Literally, “Christ;” comp. 2 Cor. i. 21, Eph. iv. 20.
[17] Wisdom ii. 24.
Chapter IV.—Many evils have already flowed from this source in ancient times.
[18] Gen. iv. 3-8. The writer here, as always, follows the reading of the Septuagint, which in this passage both alters and adds to the Hebrew text. We have given the rendering approved by the best critics; but some prefer to translate, as in our English version, “unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” See, for an ancient explanation of the passage, Irenæus, Adv. Hær., iv. 18, 3.
[19] Gen. xxvii. 41, etc.
[22] Num. xii. 14, 15. [In our copies of the Septuagint this is not affirmed of Aaron.]
[24] 1 Kings xviii. 8, etc.
[25] Literally, “those who have been athletes.”
[26] Some fill up the lacuna here found in the ms. so as to read, “have come to a grievous death.”
[27] Literally, “good.” [The martyrdom of St. Peter is all that is thus connected with his arrival in Rome. His numerous labours were restricted to the Circumcision.]
[28] Seven imprisonments of St. Paul are not referred to in Scripture.
[29] Archbishop Wake here reads “scourged.” We have followed the most recent critics in filling up the numerous lacunæ in this chapter.
[30] Some think Rome, others Spain, and others even Britain, to be here referred to. [See note at end.]
[31] That is, under Tigellinus and Sabinus, in the last year of the Emperor Nero; but some think Helius and Polycletus are referred to; and others, both here and in the preceding sentence, regard the words as denoting simply the witness borne by Peter and Paul to the truth of the gospel before the rulers of the earth.
Chapter VI.—Continuation. Several other martyrs.
[32] Some suppose these to have been the names of two eminent female martyrs under Nero; others regard the clause as an interpolation. [Many ingenious conjectures might be cited; but see Jacobson’s valuable note, Patres Apostol., vol. i. p. 30.]
[33] Literally, “have reached to the stedfast course of faith.”
Chapter VII.—An exhortation to repentance.
[35] Some insert “Father.”
[36] Gen. vii.; 1 Pet. iii. 20;2 Pet. ii. 5.
Chapter VIII.—Continuation respecting repentance.
[40] Comp. Isa. i. 18.
[41] These words are not found in Scripture, though they are quoted again by Clem. Alex. (Pædag., i. 10) as from Ezekiel.
Chapter IX.—Examples of the saints.
[43] Some read ματαιολογίαν, “vain talk.”
[44] Gen. v. 24; Heb. xi. 5. Literally, “and his death was not found.”
Chapter X.—Continuation of the above.
[45] Isa. xli. 8; 2 Chron. xx. 7;Judith viii. 19; Jas. ii. 23.
[48] Gen. xv. 5, 6; Rom. iv. 3.
[49] Gen. xxi. 22; Heb. xi. 17.
Chapter XI.—Continuation. Lot.
[50] Gen. xix.; comp. 2 Pet. ii. 6-9.
[51] So Joseph., Antiq., i. 11, 4; Irenæus, Adv. Hær., iv. 31.
[52] Literally, “become a judgment and sign.”
Chapter XII.—The rewards of faith and hospitality. Rahab.
[54] Others of the Fathers adopt the same allegorical interpretation, e.g., Justin Mar., Dial. c. Tryph., n. 111; Irenæus, Adv. Hær., iv. 20. [The whole matter of symbolism under the law must be more thoroughly studied if we would account for such strong language as is here applied to a poetical or rhetorical figure.]
Chapter XIII.—An exhortation to humility.
[55] Jer. ix. 23, 24;1 Cor. i. 31; 2 Cor. x. 17.
[56] Comp.Matt. vi. 12-15, Matt. vii. 2; Luke vi. 36-38.
Chapter XIV.—We should obey God rather than the authors of sedition.
[59] Ps. xxxvii. 35-37. “Remnant” probably refers either to the memory or posterity of the righteous.
Chapter XV.—We must adhere to those who cultivate peace, not to those who merely pretend to do so.
[60] Isa. xxix. 13;Matt. xv. 8; Mark vii. 6.
[64] These words within brackets are not found in the ms., but have been inserted from the Septuagint by most editors.
Chapter XVI.—Christ as an example of humility.
[66] The Latin of Cotelerius, adopted by Hefele and Dressel, translates this clause as follows: “I will set free the wicked on account of His sepulchre, and the rich on account of His death.”
[67] The reading of the ms. is τῆς πληγῆς, “purify, or free, Him from stripes.” We have adopted the emendation of Junius.
[68] Wotton reads, “If He make.”
[69] Or, “fill Him with understanding,” if πλῆσαι should be read instead of πλάσαι, as Grabe suggests.
[70] Isa. liii. The reader will observe how often the text of the Septuagint, here quoted, differs from the Hebrew as represented by our authorized English version.
Chapter XVII.—The saints as examples of humility.
[75] Job xiv. 4, 5. [Septuagint.]
[76] Num. xii. 7; Heb. iii. 2.
[77] Some fill up the lacuna which here occurs in the ms. by “Israel.”
[79] This is not found in Scripture. [They were probably in Clement’s version. Comp.Ps. 119:83.]
Chapter XVIII.—David as an example of humility.
[80] Or, as some render, “to whom.”
[82] Or, “when Thou judgest.”
[83] Literally, “in my inwards.”
[84] Literally, “bloods.”
Chapter XIX.—Imitating these examples, let us seek after peace.
[86] Literally, “Becoming partakers of many great and glorious deeds, let us return to the aim of peace delivered to us from the beginning.” Comp.Heb. xii. 1.
Chapter XX.—The peace and harmony of the universe.
[87] Or, “collections.”
[89] Or, “stations.”
Chapter XXI.—Let us obey God, and not the authors of sedition.
[91] Comp. Heb. xiii. 17; 1 Thess. v. 12, 13.
[92] Or, “the presbyters.”
[93] Some read, “by their silence.”
[94] Comp.1 Tim. v. 21.
[95] Some translate, “who turn to Him.”
Chapter XXIII.—Be humble, and believe that Christ will come again.
[98] Or, as some render, “neither let us have any doubt of.”
[99] Some regard these words as taken from an apocryphal book, others as derived from a fusion of Jas. i. 8 and 2 Pet. iii. 3, 4.
Chapter XXIV.—God continually shows us in nature that there will be a resurrection.
[102] Comp. 1 Cor. xv. 20; Col. i. 18.
[103] Comp. Luke viii. 5.
Chapter XXV.—The phœnix an emblem of our resurrection.
[104] 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.
Chapter XXVI.—We shall rise again, then, as the Scripture also testifies.
[105] Literally, “the mightiness of His promise.”
[106] Ps. xxviii. 7, or some apocryphal book.
[107] Comp. Ps. iii. 6.
Chapter XXVII.—In the hope of the resurrection, let us cleave to the omnipotent and omniscient God.
[109] Comp.Tit. i. 2; Heb. vi. 18.
[110] Or, “majesty.”
[111] Wisdom xii. 12, Wisdom xi. 22.
[112] Comp. Matt. xxiv. 35.
[113] Literally, “If the heavens,” etc.
Chapter XXVIII.—God sees all things: therefore let us avoid transgression.
[115] Literally, “abominable lusts of evil deeds.”
[116] Ps. cxxxix. 7–10
Chapter XXIX.—Let us also draw near to God in purity of heart.
[117] Literally “has made us to Himself a part of election.”
[118] Literally, “sowed abroad.”
[120] Formed apparently from Num. xviii. 27 and 2 Chron. xxxi. 14. Literally, the closing words are, “the holy of holies.”
[121] Some translate, “youthful lusts.”
[122] Prov. iii. 34; Jas. iv. 6; 1 Pet. v. 5.
[123] Job xi. 2, 3. The translation is doubtful. [But see Septuagint.]
Chapter XXXI.—Let us see by what means we may obtain the divine blessing.
[124] Literally, “what are the ways of His blessing.”
[125] Literally, “unroll.”
[126] Comp. Jas. ii. 21.
[127] Some translate, “knowing what was to come.”
[129] So Jacobson: Wotton reads, “fleeing from his brother.”
Chapter XXXII.—We are justified not by our own works, but by faith.
[130] The meaning is here very doubtful. Some translate, “the gifts which were given to Jacob by Him,” i.e., God.
[131] MS. αὐτῶν, referring to the gifts: we have followed the emendation αὐτοῦ, adopted by most editors. Some refer the word to God, and not Jacob.
[132] Comp. Rom. ix. 5.
[133] Gen. xxii. 17, Gen. xxviii. 4.
[134] Or, “commandment.”
[135] Or, “in addition to all.”
[138] Or, “let us consider.”
[139] Or, “labourer.”
[140] Isa. xl. 10, Isa. lxii. 11; Rev. xxii. 12.
[141] The text here seems to be corrupt. Some translate, “He warns us with all His heart to this end, that,” etc.
Chapter XXXV.—Immense is this reward. How shall we obtain it?
[145] Some translate, “in liberty.”
[146] Or, “of the ages.”
[147] The reading is doubtful: some have ἀφιλοξενίαν, “want of a hospitable spirit.” [So Jacobson.]
[149] Literally, “didst run with.”
[150] Literally, “didst weave.”
[151] Or, “layest a snare for.”
[152] Ps. l. 16-23. The reader will observe how the Septuagint followed by Clement differs from the Hebrew.
Chapter XXXVI.—All blessings are given to us through Christ.
[153] Literally, “that which saves us.”
[154] Or, “rejoices to behold.”
[155] Or, “knowledge of immortality.”
[158] Some render, “to the Son.”
[161] Some read, “who oppose their own will to that of God.”
Chapter XXXVII.—Christ is our leader, and we His soldiers.
[162] Literally, “in these there is use.”
[163] 1 Cor. xii. 12, etc.
[164] Literally, “all breathe together.”
[165] Literally, “use one subjection.”
[166] Literally, “according as he has been placed in his charism.”
[167] Comp.Prov. xxvii. 2.
[168] The ms. is here slightly torn, and we are left to conjecture.
[169] Comp. Ps. 139:15.
Chapter XXXIX.—There is no reason for self-conceit.
[170] Literally, “and silly and uninstructed.”
[171] Literally, “a breath.”
[172] Or, “has perceived.”
[173] Some render, “they perished at the gates.”
[174] Job iv. 16-18, Job xv. 15, Job iv. 19-21, Job v. 1-5.
Chapter XL.—Let us preserve in the Church the order appointed by God.
[175] Some join κατά καιροὺς τεταγμένους, “at stated times.” to the next sentence. [1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2.]
[176] Literally, “to His will.” [Comp. Rom. xv. 15, 16, Greek.]
Chapter XLI.—Continuation of the same subject.
[177] Or, “consider.” [This chapter has been cited to prove the earlier date for this Epistle. But the reference to Jerusalem may be an ideal present.]
Chapter XLII.—The order of ministers in the Church.
[178] Or, “by the command of.”
[179] Or, “by the command of.”
[180] Literally, “both things were done.”
[181] Or, “confirmed by.”
[182] Or, “having tested them in spirit.”
[183] Or, “overseers.”
[184] Or, “servants.”
[185] Isa. lx. 17, Sept.; but the text is here altered by Clement. The LXX. have “I will give thy rulers in peace, and thy overseers in righteousness.”
Chapter XLIII.—Moses of old stilled the contention which arose concerning the priestly dignity.
[186] Num. xii. 7; Heb. iii. 5.
[187] Literally, “every tribe being written according to its name.”
[188] See Num. xvii.
[189] Literally, “on account of the title of the oversight.” Some understand this to mean, “in regard to the dignity of the episcopate;” and others simply, “on account of the oversight.”
[190] The meaning of this passage is much controverted. Some render, “left a list of other approved persons;” while others translate the unusual word ἐπινομή, which causes the difficulty, by “testamentary direction,” and many others deem the text corrupt. We have given what seems the simplest version of the text as it stands. [Comp. the versions of Wake, Chevallier, and others.]
[191] i.e., the apostles.
[192] Or, “oversight.”
[193] Literally, “presented the offerings.”
Chapter XLV.—It is the part of the wicked to vex the righteous.
[194] Or, “Ye perceive.”
[195] Or, “For.”
[198] Literally, “worshipped.”
[199] Literally, “serve.”
[200] Or, “lifted up.”
Chapter XLVI.—Let us cleave to the righteous: your strife is pernicious.
[201] Literally, “To such examples it is right that we should cleave.”
[202] Not found in Scripture.
[203] Literally, “be.”
[204] Or, “thou wilt overthrow.”
[206] Or, “war.” Comp. Jas. iv. 1.
[207] Comp. Eph. iv. 4-6.
[209] This clause is wanting in the text.
[210] This clause is wanting in the text.
[211] Comp. Matt. xviii. 6,Matt. xxvi. 24; Mark ix. 42;Luke xvii. 2.
Chapter XLVII.—Your recent discord is worse than the former which took place in the times of Paul.
[212] Literally, “in the beginning of the Gospel.” [Comp. Phil. iv. 15.]
[213] Or, “spiritually.”
[214] 1 Cor. iii. 13, etc.
[215] Or, “inclinations for one above another.”
[216] Literally, “of conduct in Christ.”
[217] Or, “aliens from us,” i.e., the Gentiles.
Chapter XLVIII.—Let us return to the practice of brotherly love.
[218] Literally “remove.”
[219] Literally, “becoming merciful.”
Chapter XLIX.—The praise of love.
[221] Jas. v. 20; 1 Pet. iv. 8.
[222] Comp. 1 Cor. xiii. 4, etc.
[223] [Comp. Irenæus, v. 1; also Mathetes, Ep. to Diognetus, cap. ix.]
Chapter L.—Let us pray to be thought worthy of love.
[224] Literally, “visitation.”
[225] Or, “good.”
Chapter LI.—Let the partakers in strife acknowledge their sins.
[228] Or, “look to.”
[229] Or, “righteously.”
Chapter LII.—Such a confession is pleasing to God.
[233] Or, “sacrifice.”
Chapter LIII.—The love of Moses towards his people.
[236] Ex. xxxii. 7, etc.; Deut. ix. 12, etc.
[237] Ex. xxxii. 9, etc.
[239] Or, “mighty.”
[240] Literally, “be wiped out.”
Chapter LIV.—He who is full of love will incur every loss, that peace may be restored to the Church.
[241] Literally, “the multitude.” [Clement here puts words into the mouth of the Corinthian presbyters. It has been strangely quoted to strengthen a conjecture that he had humbly preferred Linus and Cletus when first called to preside.]
[242] Or, “receive.”
[243] Ps. xxiv. 1;1 Cor. x. 26, 28.
Chapter LV.—Examples of such love.
[244] Literally, “and having received their prices, fed others.” [Comp. Rom. xvi. 3, 4, and Phil. ii. 30.]
[245] Judith viii. 30.
Chapter LVI.—Let us admonish and correct one another.
[247] Literally, “there shall be to them a fruitful and perfect remembrance, with compassions both towards God and the saints.”
[248] Or, “they unite.”
[250] Prov. iii. 12; Heb. xii. 6.
[252] Literally, “hand.”
[253] Literally, “err” or “sin.”
Chapter LVII.—Let the authors of sedition submit themselves.
[255] Literally, “to be found small and esteemed.”
[256] Literally, “His hope.” [It has been conjectured that ἔλπιδος should be ἔπαύλιδος, and the reading, “out of the fold of his people.” See Chevallier.]
[257] Prov. i. 23-31. [Often cited by this name in primitive writers.]
[258] Junius (Pat. Young), who examined the ms. before it was bound into its present form, stated that a whole leaf was here lost. The next letters that occur are ιπον, which have been supposed to indicate εἶπον or ἔλιπον. Doubtless some passages quoted by the ancients from the Epistle of Clement, and not now found in it, occurred in the portion which has thus been lost.
Chapter LVIII.—Blessings sought for all that call upon God.
[259] Comp. Tit. ii. 14.
[260] Literally, “an eternal throne.”
[261] Literally, “From the ages to the ages of ages.”
[262] [Note St. Clement’s frequent doxologies.] [N.B.—The language of Clement concerning the Western progress of St. Paul (cap. v.) is our earliest postscript to his Scripture biography. It is sufficient to refer the reader to the great works of Conybeare and Howson, and of Mr. Lewin, on the Life and Epistles of St. Paul. See more especially the valuable note of Lewin (vol. ii. p. 294) which takes notice of the opinion of some learned men, that the great Apostle of the Gentiles preached the Gospel in Britain. The whole subject of St. Paul’s relations with British Christians is treated by Williams, in his Antiquities of the Cymry, with learning and in an attractive manner. But the reader will find more ready to his hand, perhaps, the interesting note of Mr. Lewin, on Claudia and Pudens (2 Tim. iv. 21), in his Life and Epistles of St. Paul, vol. ii. p. 392. See also Paley’s Horæ Paulinæ, p. 40. London, 1820.]
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