Studies on First Clement (Classic Studies on the Apostolic Fathers)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
Inspired by the advice of his former teacher and mentor, Adolf von Harnack, William Wrede committed himself to the task of writing a dissertation on 1 Clement, which was originally published under the title Untersuchungen zum 1. Clemensbrief and has now been published here in English translation for the first time under the title Studies on 1 Clement. In this volume, Wrede investigates the ecclesiastical structure of the early church as well as the significance and function of the Old Testament in 1 Clement. Though overshadowed by his later work, The Messianic Secret, Wrede’s work on 1 Clement served as a tempered and solid basis for later investigations of the letter, even when those investigations part ways with Wrede’s conclusions.
- Investigates the ecclesiastical structure of the early church
- Explores the significance and function of the Old Testament in 1 Clement
- Presents the first English translation of Untersuchungen zum 1. Clemensbrief
- The Two Ways: The Baptismal Catechism (1:1—6:2)
- Cultic Regulations (7:1—10:6)
- Rules for Congregational Life (11:1—15:4)
- Conclusion
- Prescript
- Introduction: The Occasion of the Letter, Then and Now (1:1—3:4)
- The God-Fearing Life (4:1—39:9)
- The Ugly Quarrel in Corinth Should Be Settled As Soon as Possible (40:1—61:3)
- The End of the Letter with a Concluding Admonition and Vows (62:1—65:2)
- The Surpassing Greatness of the Beneficence of Christ Who Called the Gentiles (1:1—2:7)
- The Return Payment We Can Offer Him: Not Word but Deed (3:1—4:5)
- Implications of Confessing God with Deeds (5:1—6:9)
- The Toil of the Struggle Is Great, but the Reward Is Glorious (7:1—8:6)
- The Resurrection and Assorted Paraenesis (9:1—12:6)
- Exhortation to Repentance (13:1—18:2)
- Conclusion: Repentance, Suffering, Future Glory, and a Doxology (19:1—20:5)
Didache
First Clement
Second Clement
Over a century after his Messiasgeheimnis, the name of Wrede continues to be well-known to students of the New Testament. His insightful work on 1 Clement is less well-known; Jacob Cerone has done us a great service by rescuing this text from obscurity and presenting it in a clear and usable English translation.
—Alistair C. Stewart, senior lecturer in biblical studies, Codrington College
This new translation of Wrede’s classic work on 1 Clement makes this perennially important volume available to a wider audience. The topics under discussion remain as central to the study of 1 Clement as when Wrede addressed them in 1891. For serious students of the Apostolic Fathers, this edition is invaluable and permits a fuller understanding of landmark scholarly developments. The translator, Jacob Cerone, is to be commended for his fine work.
—Paul Foster, professor of New Testament and early Christianity, University of Edinburgh
Jacob Cerone’s translation of Wrede’s classic studies on 1 Clement is fresh, careful, and a welcomed contribution to English-speaking students today! Indeed, Wrede’s insights are as relevant for contemporary scholars as when first offered at the end of the nineteenth century. I am confident Cerone’s efforts will be much appreciated by those who engage the fruits of his work.
—Clayton N. Jefford, professor of Scripture, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
Jacob Cerone presents a valuable translation for an important work on 1 Clement, particularly with respect to the place of the Old Testament in the letter. This volume will serve as a vital resource to Anglophone scholars.
—Janelle Peters, lecturer of theological studies, Loyola Marymount University