Clement's view of the old testament

Abstract

The extensive use of Old Testament (OT) in Clement's epistle provides excellent source material for establishing not only Clement's view of the OT, but by implication the view held by the Church as a whole at the end of the first century. The earliest Christians not only accepted the Jewish Scriptures, but also the Jewish view concerning the inspiration of those Scriptures. Clement quotes from all three sections of the Hebrew Canon: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings or Hagiographa. In looking at Clement's methodology, the three major types of interpretation can be discussed: literal, typological, and allegorical. The choice, the interpretation, and the application of OT texts are governed by the urgent necessity of meeting the problems of the Corinthian Church. In correction of the scandalous situation at Corinth, Clement skillfully employs the most effective weapon known to him, the direct application of the timeless oracles of God.Keywords: Clement's epistle; Clement's view; Corinthian Church; Hebrew Canon; Old Testament (OT) texts