Rules for the Conduct of Celibate Brethren
Celibate brethren should observe certain rules to maintain their purity and avoid offense, and to be made manifest to God.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and avoiding situations that may cause others to stumble. He instructs believers to be mindful of their actions and interactions with the opposite sex, ensuring they conduct themselves in a blameless manner. By upholding these standards, they demonstrate their reverence for God and strive to live without causing offense to anyone.
Text
And if again we chance to come into a place where there is no consecrated brother, but all are married, all those who are there will receive the brother who comes to them, and minister to him, and care for his wants in everything, assiduously, with good-will. And the brother shall be ministered to by them in the way that is suitable. And the brother will say to the married persons who are in that place:
We holy men do not eat or drink with women, nor are we waited on by women or by maidens, nor do women wash our feet for us, nor do women anoint us, nor do women prepare our bed for us, nor do we sleep where women sleep, so that we may be without reproach in everything, lest any one should be offended or stumble at us. And, while we observe all these things, we are without offense to every man.
As persons, therefore, who know the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, and to God we are made manifest.
Sermon Outline
- The Conduct of Celibate Brethren in Mixed Company
- The Rules of Celibate Brethren
- The Importance of Observing These Rules
- Being Without Reproach
- Being Made Manifest to God
Key Quotes
“We holy men do not eat or drink with women, nor are we waited on by women or by maidens, nor do women wash our feet for us, nor do women anoint us, nor do women prepare our bed for us, nor do we sleep where women sleep, so that we may be without reproach in everything, lest any one should be offended or stumble at us.” — Clement of Rome
“As persons, therefore, who know the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, and to God we are made manifest.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- Celibate brethren should be received and cared for with good-will and assiduity in mixed company.
- We should avoid eating and drinking with women and other activities that may lead to offense or stumbling.
- By observing these rules, we can maintain our purity and be made manifest to God.