2 Clement
Unknown author. According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, 2 Clement is an early Christian homily, not a genuine epistle from Clement of Rome, and while it was once considered possibly canonical, it is not included in the modern New Testament. It is a sermon that emphasizes repentance, good works, and the coming judgment, and is valued as an orthodox work by many scholars and church traditions.
What it is:
An early homily: 2 Clement is a sermon to Christians, not a letter, despite its title. The author addresses the audience as "Brethren" and announces at the end that he has "read" the material to them, a common feature of oral sermons.
Biblical reference to other authorship: The preacher had access to Christian writings and oral tradition aside from those found in the New Testament. Old Testament references include at least from Genesis, Isaiah, Ezekiel (Noah, Job, Daniel). New Testament references include 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Matthew, Ephesians, Mark, 2 Peter, Luke, John. Non-new-testament references include the Gospel of Peter, Gospel of the Egyptians or perhaps Gospel of Thomas.
A non-canonical work: While 1 and 2 Clement were included in some ancient biblical manuscripts like the Codex Alexandrinus, they are not part of the official canon of the New Testament for modern churches, including the Eastern Orthodox.
Its content and significance
Theological themes: The homily stresses the importance of living a righteous life, repentance, and good works as a response to God's grace.
Orthodox value: It is considered a valuable and orthodox work that provides insight into early Christian theology and practice.
Use of scripture: The author quotes from both the Old and New Testaments, as well as other early Christian writings and sayings not included in the canonical Gospels.
Emphasis on works: A key theme is that salvation must be demonstrated through one's works, which has led to discussion about its views on eternal security, a doctrine that emerged much later.
Title - Thesis | Scroll | Short Description | Synthesis 2nd Temple | Antithesis | Synthesis Apostolic | Synthesis Amoraim | Continent Origin | Southern Worldview | Northern Worldview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Clement | Scroll 116.1 | Sermon or Homily | Second Epistle of Clement | Klementos pros Korinthious | Didactic | NA | Europe | Homily | Homily |
Category Reference Guide
Title/Thesis - The name of the book in American English
Synthesis 2nd Temple - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from 2nd temple Judaism up to the 1st century
Antithesis - The name of the book in another language
Synthesis Apostolic - The identity of the book in order of its presentation according to Tradition in the church after the 3rd century
Synthesis Amoraim - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from Tannaim up to the 5th century
Continent Origin - Continent from where the Text Type Source comes from
Southern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. South means Africa or Egypt (Alexandrian) such as LXX. South of Palestine.
Northern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. North means Asia or Persia (Babylonian) such as Masoretic. North of Palestine.
Here are additional resources for those who want to continue learning and exploring:
Link to some reference to overview on this writing by either St Clement of Rome, or another Clement of the Egyptians