Clement of Rome, Corinth, Canon, & Other Writers

Clement of Rome, Corinth, Canon, & Other Writers

J.B. Lightfoot’s English and Greek text. 

http://books.google.com/books?

id=Y1QrAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=clement+of+rome&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2-PhUaMJ7OTgA_KqgJgJ&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAg

Clement of Rome.  Apostolic Fathers, Part. 1, S. Clement of Rome, ed. J.B. Lightfoot.  (London: Macmillan and Co., 1890). 

A few further notes and, perhaps, a few interpolations. 

3 manuscripts:  Codex Alexandrinus (A), dated about the fifth century, contains both epistles. Codex Constantinopolitanus (C), dated about 1056. Syriac Version (S), dated 1170 A.D.  

A good review of the textual history of the canon is in order.  

Clement 1—from the city of Rome—uses about 150 references to the OT in Greek, attestation to the influences of the Septuagint (and Hellenization after Alexander the Great).  The Graeco-Roman influences in preparing for the advance of the Christian faith is another long, but important story…Clement is an example.  Daniel laid out kingdom sequences including Rome.  Also, Clement uses the NT, especially Hebrews.  

There is wide and early use of the letter.  Clement was a leading Presbyter in Rome, perhaps the senior presbyter, or bishop.  A contemporary is Hermas (author of The Shepherd of Hermas). 

By mid-second century, Dionysius, the bishop of Corinth, writes the church at Rome a letter, a reply to an earlier letter from Rome. Dionysius writes: “This day, being the Lord’s Day, we read your letter and the letter to us by Clement.”  He also refers to the “hereditary liberality of the Romans.”  These are Mr. Lightfoot’s observations. 

A few things:  (1) the Sabbath is called the Lord’s Day, (2) a very recent letter, but a 50ish-year old is read (?), and (3) a historic tie exists between Rome and Corinth. 

Further references by others:  (1) Hegisippus, a native of Palestine, visited Rome and Corinth.  He alludes to the legendary dispute at Corinth. Eusebius (260-340) also cites Hegisippus and Clement.  Irenaeus (? – 202 A.D.?), the great anti-Gnostic-writer, notes that there was “no small dissension at Corinth.”  By the close of the 2^nd century, Clement of Alexandria (the namesake of Clement of Rome) frequently quotes Clement.  Origen, disciple and professor at the catechetical school in Alexandria, cites Clement in De Principiis (2.6.1).  Eusebius (260-340) similarly.  

The issue is a coup.  Venerable, “faithful and honoured presbyters” are deposed.  Resurrection is an issue. Mr. (bp.) J.B. Lightfoot believes great weight should attach to Hegisippus’s testimony.  

More to follow.