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In the Corinthian church, some of the leaders appointed by the apostles—or at least, appointed by other leaders who had been appointed by the apostles—were among those who had been kicked out of their ministry. This should not be, said Clement. Jesus and the apostles gave the church a certain structure of leadership for a reason. Just as God has created order and harmony in the universe, so he wants there to be order and harmony among his people. If a leader has been chosen by the community, has taught what is true, promoted peace in the church, acted with integrity, and earned the good opinion of others, how could it be right to remove him from his ministry? The godly leader is the one who is humble and Christlike, not the one who excaptions himself over others.

For Clement this was not just a matter of church politics. These were issues that went to the heart of the church's message of salvation. Clement emphasized that we are not justified by our own understanding or religious devotion or good deeds but "by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men." But does this mean we no longer need to act in love? Not at all!

Because of all God has done for us and the future resurrection he has promised us, "let us hurry with all that energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work." There is no place in the church for selfishness or self-promotion. Christians should work together in harmony and peace as one body of Christ, serving each other humbly, knowing that all talents and blessings come from God.

Clement encouraged the young leaders in Corinth to repent of their rivalry and disruption that had discouraged so many within the church. And he urged the Corinthians to "pray for those who fallen into sin, that meekness and humility may be given to them, so that they may submit, not to us, but to the will of God. We must accept correction, dear friends. No one should resent it. Warnings we give each other are good and thoroughly beneficial, for they bind us to God's will."

The Corinthian church continued to read Clement's letter aloud during worship for many years. The letter was enormously popular throughout the ancient Roman world, even as far as Egypt and Syria, and was a great source of strength and guidance for early churches.

Jennifer Trafton is managing editor of Christian History & Biography. Diana Severance is an adviser for Christian History.

Copyright © 2008 Christian History & Biography, or the author. Click for reprint information.

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