Conduct of the Holy Man
As Christians, we should conduct ourselves in a manner that is respectful and edifying to women, even in situations where there are no Christian men present.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of ministering to both men and women believers with respect and care, ensuring their edification and peace. He instructs on addressing women believers in a manner suited to them, showing love and consideration for their well-being. Clement also highlights the significance of seeking hospitality from an elderly, exemplary woman when staying overnight, demonstrating love for brethren and gratitude for her service.
Text
But if we chance to come into a place where there are no Christian men, but all the believers are women and maidens, and they press us to pass the night there in that place, we call them all together to some suitable place, and ask them how they do; and according to that which we learn from them, and what we see to be their state of mind, we address them in a suitable manner, as men fearing God. And when they have all assembled and come together, and we see that they are in peace, we address to them words of exhortation in the fear of God, and read the Scripture to them, with purity and in the concise and weighty words of the fear of God. We do everything as for their edification.
And as to those who are married, we speak to them in the Lord in a manner suited to them.
And if, moreover, the day decline and the eventide draw on, we select, in order to pass the night there, a woman who is aged and the most exemplary of them all; and we speak to her to give us a place all to ourselves, where no woman enters, nor maiden. And this old woman herself will bring us a lamp, and whatever is requisite for us she will herself bring us. From love to the brethren, she will bring whatever is requisite for the service of stranger brethren. And she herself, when the time for sleep has come, will depart and go to her house in peace.
Sermon Outline
- Addressing Women in a Suitable Manner
- Reading Scripture and Exhortation
- Respecting the Women's Boundaries
- Select a suitable woman to provide a place for the night
- Respect the woman's boundaries and provide for her needs
Key Quotes
“We do everything as for their edification.” — Clement of Rome
“We speak to them in the Lord in a manner suited to them.” — Clement of Rome
“We read the Scripture to them, with purity and in the concise and weighty words of the fear of God.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should always conduct ourselves in a manner that is respectful and edifying to women.
- We should assess the situation and the women's state of mind before speaking to them.
- We should provide for the needs of women in our service to them.