Peter's Salutation
The sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring the truth and the rewards that come from it, including eternal blessings and kindness.
Clement of Rome commends the blessed man for showing hospitality to Barnabas, a herald of truth, without fear of the rude multitude. He assures the blessed man that his noble actions will not go unnoticed by Truth herself, who will grant him citizenship in her city and eternal blessings. Clement encourages the blessed man to join them on a journey to spread the words of truth from city to city, extending even to Rome, welcoming any contributions or thoughts he may have.
Text
Then the blessed man, springing forward as soon as he heard my name, kissed me; and making me sit down, straightway said, You acted nobly in entertaining Barnabas, a herald of the truth, to the honour of the living God, being magnanimously not ashamed, nor fearing the resentment of the rude multitude. Blessed shall you be. For as you thus with all honour entertained the ambassador of the truth, so also truth herself shall constitute you, who are a stranger, a citizen of her own city.
And thus you shall greatly rejoice, because you have now lent a small favour; I mean the kindness of good words. You shall be heir of blessings which are both eternal and cannot possibly be taken from you.
And do not trouble yourself to detail to me your manner of life; for the veracious Barnabas has detailed to us everything relating to you, making favourable mention of you almost every day. And in order that I may tell to you briefly, as to a genuine friend, what is in hand, travel with us, unless anything hinders you, partaking of the words of truth which I am going to speak from city to city, as far as Rome itself. And if you wish to say anything, speak on.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Peter's Salutation and Appreciation - Entertaining Barnabas, a Herald of Truth
- II points: - Blessings for Honoring the Truth - Eternal Rewards for Kindness
- III points: - No Need to Detail Personal Life - Travel with Us to Share Truth
Key Quotes
“Blessed shall you be.” — Clement of Rome
“You shall be heir of blessings which are both eternal and cannot possibly be taken from you.” — Clement of Rome
“Travel with us, unless anything hinders you, partaking of the words of truth which I am going to speak from city to city, as far as Rome itself.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should show honor and kindness to those who share the message of God's truth.
- Honoring the truth can lead to eternal rewards and blessings that cannot be taken away.
- We should be open to sharing the words of truth with others and traveling with those who speak it.