01. The Epistles of St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch (Ancient Christian Writers)

Ancient evidence to show Protestants our Catholic traditions, AND evidence to show the “R&R” camp their position is not Catholic. This book contains one epistle of St. Clement of Rome and seven epistles of St. Ignatius of Antioch. Pope St. Clement I was the third successor of St. Peter, and held office from 88 AD to 99 AD. St. Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch in Syria and was martyred in 108 AD. These short epistles are filled with Catholic doctrines and traditions that will absolutely confound any Protestant who falsely claims that our Catholic traditions were invented long after the ascension of our Lord. However, what is most striking is how often these two Church Fathers speak of absolute obedience and submission to your Bishop! In the wake of Vatican 2 many Catholics at heart have adopted a position of “R&R”; recognize the authority of the novus ordo bishops, yet resist all their commands. After reading these epistles - no one could dare say that “R&R” is Catholic. A few examples are as follows: Ignatius to the Ephesians: - “It is therefore proper… that you, fully trained in unanimous submission, may be submissive to the bishop and the presbytery, and thus be sanctified in every respect.” - “The bishops, though appointed throughout the vast, wide earth, represent for their part the mind of Jesus Christ.” - “Let us take care, therefore, not to oppose the bishop, that we may be submissive to God.” - “One should look upon the bishop as upon the Lord Himself.” - “Show obedience with undivided mind to the bishop and the presbytery, and to break the same Bread, which is the medicine of immortality, the antidote against death and everlasting life in Jesus Christ.” Ignatius to the Philadelphians: - “Shun division and bad doctrines where the shepherd is, there you, being sheep, must follow.” - “Surely, all those that belong to God and Jesus Christ are the very ones that side with the bishop.” - “Do not be deceived… if a man runs after a schismatic, he will not inherit the kingdom of God.” - “Take care, then, to partake of one Eucharist; for, one is the Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one the cup to unite us with His Blood, and one altar, just as there is one bishop assisted by the presbytery and the deacons.” - “I cried out… and said in a ringing voice - God’s voice: ‘Give heed to the bishop and to the presbytery and to the deacons.’” Ignatius to the Smyrna: - “Let no one be deceived!… either believe in the Blood of Christ, or else face damnation.” - “From Eucharist and prayer they hold aloof, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ.” - “When the bishop appears, there let the people be, just as where Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” - “It is well to revere God and bishop. He who honors a bishop is honored by God. He who does anything without the knowledge of the bishop worships the devil.”

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Clement, bishop of Rome, was responding to reports about troubles again with those pesky Corinthian Christians. 40 years or so earlier, St. Paul had done the same. It's easy to see why for the first couple hundred years (even Eusebius, bp. of Ceasarea in Palestine considered it inspired in the early 4th century) this letter circulated with what would become the New Testament writings. His faith is apostolic as is his belief that he's merely standing in an authoritative line of men who are exhorting Christian behavior and beliefs. This letter was probably composed about the same time some of the writings of St. John were, and probably before 2 Peter and some of the pseudepigraphical Pauline literature. This volume also shares with the reader the early 2nd century writings of Ignatius, bishop of Antioch and martyr. Again we get snapshots of early Christian communities in communion, part of the "great" Church, who submit to ecclesial authority, enjoy a sacred meal, etc.

This is a wonderful edition of these works. The translation is easy to read and accurate (I've compared it with the Greek), and the footnotes are very helpful without being arcane or overly technical. Anyone wanting to read these important early Christian works would be well served by this volume.

The book was received in good condition - brand new. Easy to read translation. If you're into church history, you'll enjoy this book. It's hard to put down.

This is a must read for any Christian wanting to know the teaching and church practices during the time of the Apostles and the period immediately following them. The reading is excellent and very informing. I especially love St Ignatius letters. I also found the Didache The teaching of the 12 Apostles is excellent reading.

Good translation , nice good quality hardcover binding.

These great Christian writers allow the reader to gain insight on what the early church believed, in a sense.