Source edition
Clemens Romanus. Clementis Romani quae feruntur homiliae. Schwegler, Albert, editor. Stuttgart: A. Becheri, 1847.
Source data
Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a brief religious and liturgical text establishing strict oaths and procedures to prevent the sacred books of Peter's preachings from being leaked to unqualified outsiders. The narrative opens with James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, summoning the community elders. James solemnly admonishes them against carelessly disclosing the sacred writings of Peter to anyone who has not been thoroughly tested. He details a rigorous examination process to identify those worthy of receiving these teachings, accompanied by a severe curse upon anyone who violates this covenant. Concluding the text, the elders formally swear to abide by these stringent regulations, committing to guard the esoteric teachings with their lives. Ultimately, the work depicts the intense concern for maintaining orthodoxy and secrecy within the early Christian community.
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