The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

Give[*](For peace) concord and peace to us and to all that dwell on the earth, as thou didst give to our fathers who called on thee in holiness with faith and truth, and grant that we may be obedient to thy almighty and glorious name, and to our rulers and governors upon the earth.

Thou, Master, hast given the power of[*](On behalf of rulers) sovereignty to them through thy excellent and inexpressible might, that we may know the glory and honour given to them by thee, and be subject to them, in nothing resisting thy will. And to them. Lord, grant health, peace, concord, firmness that they may administer the government which thou hast given them without offence.

For thou, heavenly Master, king of eternity, hast given to the sons of men glory and honour and power over the things which are on the earth; do thou, O Lord, direct their counsels according to that which is good and pleasing before thee, that they may administer with piety in peace and gentleness the power given to them by thee, and may find mercy

O thou who alone art able to do these things and far better things for us, we praise thee through Jesus Christ, the high priest and guardian of our souls, through whom be glory and majesty to thee, both now and for all generations and for ever and ever. Amen.

We have now written to you, brethren, sufficiently[*](Summary of letter) touching the things which befit our worship, and are most helpful for a virtuous life to those who wish to guide their steps in piety and righteousness.

For we have touched on every aspect of faith and repentance and true love and self-control and sobriety and patience, and reminded you that you are bound to please almighty God with holiness in righteousness and truth and long-suffering, and to live in concord, bearing no malice, in love and peace with eager gentleness, even as our fathers, whose example we quoted, were well-pleasing in their humility towards God, the Father and Creator, and towards all men.

And we had the more pleasure in reminding you of this, because we knew quite well that we were writing to men who were faithful and distinguished and had studied the oracles of the teaching of God.

It is therefore right that we should respect so many and so great examples, and bow the neck, and take up the position of obedience, so that ceasing from vain sedition we may gain without any fault the goal set before us in truth.

For you will give us joy and gladness; if you are obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, and root out the wicked passion of your jealousy according to the entreaty for peace and concord which we have made in this letter.

And we have sent faithful[*](Introduction for representatives from Rome) and prudent men, who have lived among us without: blame from youth to old age, and they shall be witnesses between you and us.

We have done this that you may know that our whole care has been and is directed to your speedy attainment of peace.

Now may God, the all-seeing, and the master[*](Blessing) of spirits, and the Lord of all flesh, who chose out the Lord Jesus Christ, and us through him for a peculiar people, give unto every soul that is called after his glorious and holy name, faith, fear, peace, patience and long-suffering, self-control, purity, sobriety, that they may be well-pleasing to his

Send back quickly to us our messengers Claudius[*](Message as to Roman representatives) Ephebus and Valerius Vito and Fortunatus, in peace with gladness, in order that they may report the sooner the peace and concord which we pray for and desire, that we also may the more speedily rejoice in your good order.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you[*](Final blessing and doxology) and with all, in every place, who have been called ! by God through him, through whom be to him glory, honour, power and greatness and eternal dominion, from eternity to eternity. Amen.

The Epistle of the Romans to the Corinthians.[*](This form of subscription is found only in the Coptic version, though it was probably also known to Clement of Alexandria, and is undoubtedly correct. The other MSS. a11 attribute it directly to Clement.)