The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 1

II. The Testimony of the Epistles of Clement

Clement of Rome ⁶ is shrouded in ambiguity, but apparently he was the bishop, or “overseer,” of the church at Rome. And in this transitional period that church held an important but not an overshadowing place. Two epistles are extant under Clement’s name, though only the first is generally accounted genuine. ⁷ The Epistle of Clement was believed to have been penned in the Domitianic period, and so probably about A.D. 95, says Westcott. It was highly esteemed by the early church, ⁸ and was evidently written from Rome to the church at Corinth ⁹ PFF1 208.1

A brief excerpt will reveal the advent expectancy marking this treatise. The advent hope is central. PFF1 208.2

“Of a truth, soon and suddenly shall His will be accomplished, as the Scripture also bears witness, saying, `Speedily will He come, and will not tarry;’ and, `The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Holy One, for whom ye look.’” ¹⁰ PFF1 208.3

In the dubious Second Epistle the advent note echoes: PFF1 208.4

“Let us then wait for the kingdom of God, from hour to hour, in love and righteousness, seeing that we know not the day of the appearing of God.” ¹¹ PFF1 208.5