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Clement of Rome

Clement of Rome (c. 35 - c. 99). Early Church Father, bishop of Rome, and martyr born in Rome, possibly to a freedman family. Traditionally identified as a companion of Paul and Peter, he is linked to Philippians 4:3’s “Clement.” Elected bishop around 88, he led the Roman church during Domitian’s persecution, fostering unity amid internal strife. His Epistle to the Corinthians (c. 96), one of the earliest Christian texts outside the New Testament, addressed schism in Corinth, urging humility and order; it was read widely, nearly canonical. Clement authored no other surviving works, but legends attribute homilies like Second Clement to him. Unmarried, he lived ascetically, focusing on pastoral care. Tradition holds he was exiled to Crimea, forced into hard labor, and martyred by drowning, tied to an anchor—though evidence is sparse. His leadership strengthened the episcopal role, influencing church governance. Clement’s words, “Let us cleave to those who cultivate peace, not to those who desire strife,” reflect his call for harmony. His letter, preserved in ancient codices, remains a cornerstone of patristic theology.
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Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of being diligent and not lazy in doing good works, as the Lord will reward each person according to their deeds. He encourages believers to have confidence in God, submit to His will, and boast in Him alone. Clement reminds the audience of the countless angels ready to fulfill God's commands and praises being offered to Him continually. He urges unity among believers in earnest prayer to partake in God's magnificent promises, beyond what human eyes or ears can comprehend.
Great Is the Reward
The good servant receives the bread of his labour with confidence; the lazy and slothful cannot look his employer in the face. It is requisite, therefore, that we be prompt in the practice of well-doing; for of Him are all things. And thus He forewarns us: "Behold, the Lord [cometh], and His reward is before His face, to render to every man according to his work." He exhorts us, therefore, with our whole heart to attend to this, that we be not lazy or slothful in any good work. Let our boasting and our confidence be in Him. Let us submit ourselves to His will. Let us consider the whole multitude of His angels, how they stand ever ready to minister to His will. For the Scripture says, "Ten thousand times ten thousand stood around Him, and thousands of thousands ministered to Him, and cried, Holy, holy, holy, the Lord of Sabaoth; the whole creation is full of His glory." And let us therefore, conscientiously gathering together in harmony, cry to Him earnestly, as with one mouth, that we may be made partakers of His great and glorious promises. For [the Scripture] says, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which He has prepared for those who wait for Him."
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Clement of Rome (c. 35 - c. 99). Early Church Father, bishop of Rome, and martyr born in Rome, possibly to a freedman family. Traditionally identified as a companion of Paul and Peter, he is linked to Philippians 4:3’s “Clement.” Elected bishop around 88, he led the Roman church during Domitian’s persecution, fostering unity amid internal strife. His Epistle to the Corinthians (c. 96), one of the earliest Christian texts outside the New Testament, addressed schism in Corinth, urging humility and order; it was read widely, nearly canonical. Clement authored no other surviving works, but legends attribute homilies like Second Clement to him. Unmarried, he lived ascetically, focusing on pastoral care. Tradition holds he was exiled to Crimea, forced into hard labor, and martyred by drowning, tied to an anchor—though evidence is sparse. His leadership strengthened the episcopal role, influencing church governance. Clement’s words, “Let us cleave to those who cultivate peace, not to those who desire strife,” reflect his call for harmony. His letter, preserved in ancient codices, remains a cornerstone of patristic theology.