Clement of Rome's First Epistle to the Corinthians, one of the very few Christian texts having survived from the first century, is a supremely valuable historical document. Modern scholars affirm as much, although many have called into question whether Clement was a direct disciple of Sts. Peter and Paul, arguing instead that he lived and wrote many decades after the martyrdom of the apostles. In the groundbreaking Clement and the Early Church of Rome: On the Dating of Clement's First Epistle to the Corinthians, Msgr. Thomas J. Herron presents his rigorously researched conclusions and sketches out the significance of his findings. Clement's Epistle stands as an early example of the exercise of hierarchical--and Roman--authority in the Church. It is a disciplinary letter addressed with confident authority to a distant Church. About the Author Msgr. Thomas J. Herron served for many years as an official of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. He was the English-language secretary for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI. Msgr. Herron held a doctorate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Later in life, he taught at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and served as a pastor in Philadelphia. He died of pancreatic cancer in 2004. Endorsements "His methods are rigorous. His writing is clear and unflinchingly honest. His tone is modest. Nevertheless, his conclusions are stunning. He argues very persuasively for the earlier dates; and then he proceeds to sketch out the significance of the early dating for history, theology, and apologetics. Did he succeed? Well, his work has been cited as authoritative by scholars as illustrious as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. And His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is certainly not alone." --Scott Hahn, Bestselling Author and Popular Speaker "I am dependent . . . upon the brilliant analysis by Thomas J. Herron." --Dr. Clayton Jefford, St. Meinrad School of Theology, author of The Apostolic Fathers and the New Testament

Clement of Rome and his letter to the Corinthians -- Sedition and schism in the church of Corinth -- Structure and authority in Clement's view of the church -- Clement's view of God and christ -- Faith, works, and salvation in Clement of Rome -- The Didache: history and literature -- The theology of the Didache -- Clement of Rome's letter to the Corinthians -- The teaching of the Lord for the nations through the twelve Apostles (the Didache).

Ever wondered if there were more writings from the first few centuries by Christians? Well the answer is - YES! There is much that the early Christians left us and they are available in this day and time.The New Testament is our rock to stand-upon, but there are other works that we can glean from that are filled with godly wisdom and virtue. "The 1st Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians" is just that kind of work that can further your walk with Christ in this present day. Clement was a man that was said to have known the great apostles Paul and Peter. Can you imagine that? What if you could learn from someone that was familiar with the great pillars of our faith? Here is your chance.Bless you in Christ name!

Enduring and influential early Christian texts. The writings of the Apostolic Fathers give a rich and diverse picture of Christian life and thought in the period immediately after New Testament times. Some of them were accorded almost Scriptural authority in the early Church. This new Loeb edition of these essential texts reflects current idiom and the latest scholarship. Here are the Letters of Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, among the most famous documents of early Christianity; these letters, addressing core theological questions, were written to a half dozen different congregations while Ignatius was en route to Rome as a prisoner, condemned to die in the wild-beast arena. Also in this collection is a letter to the Philippian church by Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna and friend of Ignatius, as well as an account of Polycarp's martyrdom. There are several kinds of texts in the Apostolic Fathers collection, representing different religious outlooks. The manual called the Didache sets forth precepts for religious instruction, worship, and ministry. The Epistle of Barnabas searches the Old Testament, the Jewish Bible, for testimony in support of Christianity and against Judaism. Probably the most widely read in the early Christian centuries was The Shepherd of Hermas, a book of revelations that develops a doctrine of repentance.

Six notable scholars illuminate key aspects of Rome and its impact on early Christianity, emphasizing Roman culture, Roman authority, and the Christian community in Rome.

From Clement to Origen addresses the engagement of a number of pre-Nicene Church Fathers with the surrounding culture. David Rankin considers the historical and social context of the Fathers, grouped in cities and regions, their writings and theological reflections, and discusses how the particular engagement of each with major aspects of the surrounding culture influences, informs and shapes their thought and the articulation of that thought. The social and historical context of the Church Fathers is explored with respect to the Roman state, the imperial office and imperial cult, Greco-Roman class structures and the patron-client system, issues of wealth production and other commercial activity, the major philosophical thinkers in antiquity, and to rhetorical theory and practice and the higher learning of the day.