Clement of Rome
Early Bishop of Rome and Apostolic Father.
Clement of Rome (Latin: Clemens Romanus; Ancient Greek: Κλήμης Ῥώμης, romanized: Klēmēs Rōmēs; died c. He is considered to be the first of the Apostolic Fathers of the Church. Little is known about Clement's life, but his only genuine extant writing, a letter to the church at Corinth (1 Clement), is one of the oldest Christian documents outside the New Testament and asserts the authority of presbyters appointed by the Apostles, making it the earliest affirmation of the principle of apostolic succession.
- born
- unknown
- field
- Bishop of Rome, Apostolic Father
- nationality
- Roman
- known_for
- First Epistle of Clement (1 Clement); earliest affirmation of apostolic succession
Lore & Background
Clement's life is poorly documented. Tertullian claimed he was ordained by Saint Peter. Early church lists place him as the second or third bishop of Rome. Eusebius called him the third bishop and a 'co-laborer' of Paul. Irenaeus described him as successor to Anacletus and a personal acquaintance of the Apostles. The Annuario Pontificio lists him as the fourth bishop, holding office at the very end of the 1st century. It is likely he died in exile, possibly martyred. Apocryphal 4th-century stories by Rufinus claim he was imprisoned by Emperor Trajan and executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea.
Reader's Guide
Clement of Rome is significant primarily for his letter to the Corinthian church (1 Clement), written around 96 in response to a dispute where certain presbyters had been deposed. In it, he asserted the authority of presbyters as rulers of the church because they had been appointed by the Apostles. This letter is considered the earliest authentic Christian document outside the New Testament and the earliest affirmation of apostolic succession. It was read in the church at Corinth alongside other epistles, some of which later became part of the Christian canon. Clement's legacy also includes his recognition as a saint in many Christian churches and as patron saint of mariners. The Liber Pontificalis states he had known Peter. A second epistle (2 Clement) was once attributed to him but is now considered by modern scholars to be a homily by another author. The pseudo-Clementine Writings depict him as an intermediary through whom the apostles teach the church.
Did You Know?
- Clement is considered the first of the Apostolic Fathers of the Church.
- His only genuine extant writing is 1 Clement, one of the oldest Christian documents outside the New Testament.
- Apocryphal stories claim he was martyred by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the Black Sea.
- The Liber Pontificalis states that Clement had known Peter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Clement of Rome?
Clement of Rome was a late-first-century Bishop of Rome, traditionally identified as Pope Clement I. He is regarded as the first figure among the Apostolic Fathers, the generation of church leaders who followed directly after the Apostles.
What is Clement of Rome's only surviving writing?
His sole authentic text is the First Epistle to the Corinthians, commonly called 1 Clement. This letter, addressed to the Christian community in Corinth, stands as one of the earliest Christian documents we possess outside the New Testament.
Why is Clement of Rome important in church history?
He is credited with the earliest known written statement affirming the principle of apostolic succession, the idea that church authority passes from the Apostles through their appointed successors. This made his letter a foundational reference point for later debates about episcopal and papal authority.
What role did Clement of Rome play in the early church?
As Bishop of Rome in the late first century, he asserted the authority of presbyters who had been appointed by the Apostles themselves. His letter to Corinth is seen as an early exercise of that authority, intervening in a local church dispute.
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