Love and Humility as the Cure for Στάσις: First Clement’s Imitation of Pauline Argumentative Strategies

Cerone J (2026)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

DOI: 10.1163/15700720-bja10128

Abstract

Despite the clear similarities between 1 Corinthians and 1 Clement, it is often claimed that 1 Clement has an authoritarian attitude and argumentative style in contrast to Paul’s democratic spirit. Paul would never have used the category of order and authority, as found in 1 Clement, to settle the dispute in Corinth but instead appealed to humility and love (1 Cor 12:12–31). This paper, however, will demonstrate that, like Paul’s appeal to love and humility, the author of 1 Clement too appeals to those rebelling against the presbyters (1 Clem 47:6) to eliminate their pride and boasting, to humble themselves, and to love one another in order that they might be found in the love of God (1 Clem 15–18; 48–54). In this way the author of 1 Clement prolongs Paul’s Corinthian correspondence by insisting on the cultivation of humility and love among the Corinthian “rebels” in order to restore concord and peace within the congregation.

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How to cite

APA:

Cerone, J. (2026). Love and Humility as the Cure for Στάσις: First Clement’s Imitation of Pauline Argumentative Strategies. Vigiliae Christianae. https://doi.org/10.1163/15700720-bja10128

MLA:

Cerone, Jacob. "Love and Humility as the Cure for Στάσις: First Clement’s Imitation of Pauline Argumentative Strategies." Vigiliae Christianae (2026).

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