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Handout #6 |
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The end of the apostles Peter and Paul according to Clement, Bishop of Rome (c. 95) |
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The letter of the Church in Rome to the Church in Corinth is probably the earliest text in Christian literature after the New Testament. Tradition is unanimous in attributing it to Clement, leader of the church in Rome about 95 A.D. Clement wants to restore peace in the community of Corinth, which is disturbed by a group which has dismissed the presbyters. He says that the cause of this is the jealousy already provoked by the deaths of Peter and Paul. This allusion is an obscure one for us, but it is the earliest evidence of the death of the two apostles. But leaving aside examples from olden times, let us come to those who contended in recent days: let us take the noble examples of our own generation. Through jealousy and envy the greatest and most righteous pillars of the church were persecuted and contended to their deaths. Let us set before our eyes the good apostles: Peter, who because of unjust jealousy suffered not one or two but many trials, and having thus given his testimony went to the glorious place which was his due. Through jealousy and strife Paul showed the way to the prize of endurance: seven times he was in bonds he was exiled, he was stoned, he was a herald both in the East and in the West, he gained the noble fame of his faith. Having taught righteousness to all the world, when he had reached the limits of the West he gave his testimony before rulers, and thus passed from the world, and was taken up into the holy place - the greatest example of endurance. Clement of Rome letter to the Corinthians, 5. |
