- Home
- Speakers
- Clement of Rome
- Early Martyr Testimony
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.
Download
Topic
Sermon Summary
Clement of Rome preaches about the impact of envy on individuals and societies, highlighting the endurance and faith of those who faced persecution and torture. He emphasizes the examples set by holy men and a multitude of elect who persevered through challenges. Envy has led to the downfall of relationships, cities, and nations, illustrating the destructive power of this emotion.
Early Martyr Testimony
To these men who spent their lives in the practice of holiness, there is to be added a great multitude of the elect, who, having through envy endured many indignities and tortures, furnished us with a most excellent example. Through envy, those women, the Danaids and Dircae, being persecuted, after they had suffered terrible and unspeakable torments, finished the course of their faith with steadfastness, and though weak in body, received a noble reward. Envy has alienated wives from their husbands, and changed that saying of our father Adam, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh." Envy and strife have overthrown great cities and rooted up mighty nations.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.