Clement of Rome: EPISTLE TO CORINTHIANS Complete

Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson.

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Chapter XLVII. — Your recent discord is worse than the former which took place in the times of Paul.

Take up the epistle of the blessed Apostle Paul. What did he write to you at the time when the Gospel first began to be preached? [212] Truly, under the inspiration [213] of the Spirit, he wrote to you concerning himself, and Cephas, and Apollos, [214] because even then parties [215] had been formed among you. But that inclination for one above another entailed less guilt upon you, inasmuch as your partialities were then shown towards apostles, already of high reputation, and towards a man whom they had approved. But now reflect who those are that have perverted you, and lessened the renown of your far-famed brotherly love. It is disgraceful, beloved, yea, highly disgraceful, and unworthy of your Christian profession, [216] that such a thing should be heard of as that the most stedfast and ancient Church of the Corinthians should, on account of one or two persons, engage in sedition against its presbyters. And this rumour has reached not only us, but those also who are unconnected [217] with us; so that, through your infatuation, the name of the Lord is blasphemed, while danger is also brought upon yourselves.


[212] Literally, "in the beginning of the Gospel." [Comp. Phil. iv. 15.]

[213] Or, "spiritually."

[214] 1 Cor. iii. 13, etc.

[215] Or, "inclinations for one above another."

[216] Literally, "of conduct in Christ."

[217] Or, "aliens from us," i.e., the Gentiles.

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