Unearthing the Roots of the Church that Jesus Began: Insights from Clément?s Epistle to the Corinthians

Welcome to "Tracing the Roots of the Early Church: Discovering the Original Church Through the Eyes of the Early Christians," a series dedicated to uncovering the foundational aspects of the Church as established by Jesus Christ.

In our quest to identify the one true Church that Jesus founded, it is crucial to revisit the teachings and actions of His disciples and their immediate successors. This exploration leads us to the writings of our early Church Fathers?those who were either directly instructed by Christ, His apostles, or their immediate disciples. These individuals played pivotal roles in shaping the Church in accordance with Christ's vision? "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." Matt 16:18

To undertake this formidable exploration, we will engage with the extensive 38-volume collection of writings known as the "Fathers of the Church." These texts provide invaluable insights into how the earliest Christian leaders, such as Clement of Rome, dealt with challenges related to discord, leadership, and unity. Starting with Clément?s First Epistle to the Corinthians, we will delve into how these figures articulated and implemented the teachings of Jesus and directly from His apostles. With an estimated 40,000+ church beliefs in the world today, one must ask, "Which Church was Jesus rightfully establishing? This is our ultimate quest, as we all strongly desire to follow the true teaching of Christ and achieve our rightful place in heaven.

Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey to trace the roots and evolution of the one true Church that Jesus began over 2,000 years ago by sifting through the writings and lives of those who actually knew Jesus, were directly taught by Jesus? apostles or those who were just one step removed in history.

Historical Context of Clément?s Epistle

Clément?s First Epistle to the Corinthians, written around the end of the 1st century AD, is significant as one of the earliest non-canonical Christian writings. The epistle responds to a serious upheaval within the Corinthian church, where several leaders had been ousted. Clement intervenes with a call for peace and reinstatement, emphasizing the need for order and respect for established authority in the church.

So, who has the ultimate church authority and is there a success in place for the church Jesus founded?

The Appeal to Apostolic Authority

Clément?s epistle is profoundly rooted in the concept of apostolic authority. Clement argues, "The apostles have preached the Gospel to us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ [has done so] from God. Christ therefore was sent forth by God, and the apostles by Christ" (1 Clement 42:1). This lineage of authority is central to his argument for maintaining the structure and leadership chosen under apostolic guidance.

The Importance of Unity and Succession

Central to Clément?s message is the theme of unity, which he supports by referring to the orderly succession of authority from the apostles: "Our apostles also knew, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that there would be strife on account of the office of the bishop. For this reason, therefore, in as much as they had obtained a perfect foreknowledge of this, they appointed those [ministers] already mentioned and afterward gave instructions that when these should fall asleep (death), other approved men should succeed them in their ministry" (1 Clement 44:1-2).

Here, Clement underscores the apostles' foresight in establishing a continuous and orderly succession, which is crucial for maintaining the Church's unity and doctrinal purity.

Clément?s Knowledge of Church Governance

Clement describes a structured hierarchy within the Church that reflects familial and societal structures typical of his time. This hierarchical arrangement is not just a matter of maintaining order but is also seen as divinely ordained: "For Christ is of those who are humble-minded, and not of those who exalt themselves over His flock" (1 Clement 16). His governance model promotes the exercise of authority with humility and a focus on service to the community.

Implications for Understanding Early Christian Practices

Clément?s writings give us valuable insights into early Christian views on authority and community. His insistence on apostolic tradition and the orderly succession of church leaders shows a community deeply concerned with preserving the integrity of its faith amid internal conflicts.

In conclusion, Clément?s First Epistle to the Corinthians addresses specific historical events and provides broader insights into early Christian leadership and community dynamics. It underscores the early Church's commitment to a structured, hierarchical model of governance based on apostolic authority, apostolic tradition, and succession, aiming to maintain unity and doctrinal fidelity.

I have highlighted sections for easy reference. It is well known that the early Fathers of the Church actually taught about apostolic traditions and an orderly succession of church leadership. The first Bishops were the first Apostles, thus providing the initial structure of Bishops and leadership for the church.

As we continue to explore these early Christian texts, Clément?s epistle remains a cornerstone document for understanding how the early Church navigated challenges and preserved the teachings and traditions of Jesus and His Church. As you can see, Clement also talked about the unity of the church. We will keep an eye on this as I believe that Jesus established ONE True and Apostolic church, not thousands of variations. Not everyone can be right in what they believe or teach; do you not agree? Which church, out of the thousands that now exists, maintains this unity, continuity, and authority?

Let us continue seeking further exploration into these early church fathers' foundational texts that shaped the early Christian world.