The Pillars of the Church Put to Death
The sermon highlights the sufferings of the apostles and the importance of patient endurance in the face of persecution.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of looking to recent spiritual heroes as examples of enduring persecution and martyrdom with patience and faith. He highlights the sufferings of Peter and Paul, who faced envy, labors, captivity, and martyrdom but ultimately received glory and rewards in heaven for their steadfastness in spreading the message of righteousness and faith to the world.
Text
But not to dwell upon ancient examples, let us come to the most recent spiritual heroes. Let us take the noble examples furnished in our own generation. Through envy and jealousy, the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church] have been persecuted and put to death. Let us set before our eyes the illustrious apostles.
Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours, and when he had finally suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the prefects.
Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Persecution of the righteous
- Conclusion
- The reward of patient endurance
- Peter's sufferings
- Paul's sufferings
Key Quotes
“Through envy and jealousy, the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church] have been persecuted and put to death.” — Clement of Rome
“Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We can learn from the apostles' examples of patience and endurance in the face of persecution.
- Standing firm in our faith despite challenges and persecution is crucial for our spiritual growth.
- The ultimate reward for those who suffer for their faith is glory and a place in the holy place.