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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 unity among believers, urging them to be of the same mind and one in heart with each other and with the Lord. He distinguishes between those who truly desire to live in sanctity and virginity, indicating that those who are not of God will not heed their message. Clement concludes with a farewell, encouraging the saints to rejoice in the Lord and receive peace and joy from God the Father through Jesus Christ.
Exhortation to Union and to Obedienc
Therefore, we beseech you, our brethren in our Lord, that these things be observed with you, as with us, and that we may be of the same mind, that we may be one in you and you may be one in us, and that in everything we may be of one soul and one heart in our Lord. Whosoever knows the Lord hears us; and every one who is not of God hears not us. He who desires truly to keep sanctity hears us; and the virgin who truly desires to keep virginity hears us; but she who does not truly desire to keep virginity does not hear us. Finally, farewell in our Lord, and rejoice in the Lord, all you saints. Peace and joy be with you from God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. So be it. Here ends the Second Epistle of Clement, the disciple of Peter. His prayer be with us! So be it.
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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.