Foretold Ministry in First Clement

The aim of this presentation is to explain an ambiguity embedded in key passages dealing with ministry in an early Christian epistle known as First Clement. This first century letter bears witness to the origins of Christian reflection on Church offices. Although this writing does not offer any systematic exposition of this topic, it presents ministry in an original manner, combining imagery and phraseology of the Septuagint with early Christian traditions and other ancient Greek and Roman sources. The author elaborates his ideas in the context of his reflections on the communal life, emphasizing the importance of harmony and order. Interpretation of the relevant passages dealing with ministry, however, is often hampered by ambiguities of the Greek text. This contribution seeks to explain one of the ambiguities in light of the letter’s internal evidence, which has not been sufficiently considered before. It will be argued that First Clement sets up concrete principles for the building of a viable Christian community, emphasising the continuity between Israel and ekklesia as the people of God and community of salvation.