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eKKXrjaia iKavwraTTju ypacpiiv toU Kopivdiois (adv. Hcer. III. iii. 3). Yet it must be admitted that there is nothing in the language of any of these three writers to exclude the possibility of believing that tliey regarded Clement as the author of the Epistle. Tlie absence of more explicit statement on tiie sub- ject is probably due to the fact that they looked upon the letter as the utterance of the whole Roman Church rather than of one man. The Epistle is first definitely ascribed to Clement of Rome in the writings of his namesake of Alexandria (c. A.D. 200), who, though his usage is not quite uniform, on at least four occasions speaks of Clement as the author (Strom, i. 7, iv. 17-19, v. 12, vi. 8). All later writers are unanimous in accepting this opinion (Lightfoot, Clem. Eom. vol. i. p. 160 ti".).
It is unreasonable to doubt that they are justified in doing so. That Clement was head of the Roman community at the time of the Corinthian schism is as well attested as anj' fact of early Church historj', and as such he would be the natural mouthpiece of the Church of Rome in its communications with a sister community. At any rate, this function is attributed to him by the writer of 'Hernias' (wifxxpei ovv KX^;x7;s eh rds l^w 7r6Xets, (Keivip yap ewiTeT- pcLTrrai, Vis. II. iv. 3), and ' Hernias' may have been written as early as A. D. 110-125 (V. H. Stanton, The Gospels as Historical Documeyits, pt. i. pp. 34- 41). Again, however worthless as historical docu- ments the Clementine Eecognitions and Homilies may be, they at least bear witness to the fact that, by the middle of the 2nd cent. A. D., Clement was regarded as an autlior. It is difficult to understand what could have given rise to that opinion except the belief that he was tlie author of the Epistle to the Corinthians. Certainly at that date no other writings of importance were attributed to him. But the real value of the Epistle depends not so much on its authorship as on its date, which is sufficiently indicated by purely internal evidence.
3. Contents. — Introductory. — (a) Opening salutation frona ' the Church of God which sojourneth in Rome to the Church of God which sojourneth in Corinth.' (6) Apolog-y for apparent lack of interest in the Coriiithian trouble. The Romans' previ- ous silence due to the ' sudden and repeated calamities' which have befallen them.
(1) The Corinthian trmible — its earise and the remedy. — Kow at last we have an opportunity of speaking our mind about 'the detestable and unholy sedition which a few headstrong and self- willed persons have kindled' till the once honoured name of the Church of Corinth is now greatly reviled (i. 1). For indeed the Church of Corinth has hitherto" been a model of Christian virtues, especially of sobriety in all things, of self-sacrifice and moderation (i. 2-ii.). But, like Israel of old, you have been spoiled by your good progress. Excellence has given way to jealousy and envy (iii.). Envy and ill-will always result in
suffering. So much we may learn from the stories of Cain, of Jacob, of Moses, Aaron and Miriam, of Dathan and Abiram, and of David (iv.). Or think of those who suffered martvrdom ' nearest our own time ' — of Peter and Paul and the multitude of others (v. vi.). These examples ought to warn us who have to face the same expression of the world's envy to be free from envy ourselves. If we have not kept ourselves free from it, then let us use the 'grace of repentance' which Christ's death won for man (vii.), even as the men of old repented at the preaching of Noah and of Jonah (vii. 5 ff.).
The Holy Spirit Himself, through the prophets, calls men to repentance (viii.). Let us be obedient to His call, following the example of Enoch and Noah (ix.). Obedience to God brought blessings upon Abraham (x.) ; faith and care for others saved Lot from the fate of Sodom (xi.), and Rahab from the fate of Jericho (xii.). 'Arrogance and conceit and foUv and anger' must be laid aside. The promises of the Scriptures and of the Lord Jesus are for the humble-minded (xiii. xiv.), who are genuinely so (xv.). What an example of humilitv was set by- Christ Himself (xvi.) and by the saints of old— Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Abraham, Job, Moses (xvii.), and David (xviii.) ! Self, seeking and discord are contrary to the will of the Creator (xix.) ; the harmony of the natural world proves His own long-suffering and love of settled order (xx.). Let us therefore act as befits the servants of such a Master, for He reads the secrets of all hearts. Let us reverence rulers, honour elders, and train our families to do the same (xxi.) ; for Christ, through the Holy Spirit, and the Father both commend the single-hearted and condemn such as are double-minded (xxiL xxiii.). The Lord wLU come quickly (xxiii.).
(2) The resurrection of the body. Faith and works the meant by which the elect obtain this and the other blessimjs of God. — Let us have no doubt about the resurrection of the dead. Life out of death is the very law of Nature. Day grows out of night, the plant from the death of the seed (xxiv.), the phcenix from its parent's ashes (xxv.). In the Scriptures God has pro- mised a resurrection. His promise and His power are alike sufficient, for He is almighty and cannot lie. Therefore let our souls be bound to Him with this hope (xxvi.-xxviii.).