The Pseudo-Clementines and the Apostolic Decree

Abstract

In a number of articles published recently the significance of certain passages in the Pseudo-Clementines for our understanding of the origin and development of the canonical Apostolic Decree (Acts xv 20 29 and xxi 25) has been pointed out. It seems to be agreed that in these writings the significance of the words at[oarzo and xvxzTov have been extended in an halachic way 1) and that the word Tropvetocq has to be understood as sexual impurity2). It is even said that the Pseudo-Clementines can help us to trace the original meaning of the much debated passages in Acts 3). Generally speaking, however, we do not get the impression that conclusions have been based on a thorough investigation of the relevant passages in the Pseudo-Clementines. We do not usually find more than a simple reference to Hon. vii 8 and viii 19 4). In addition to these two passages Schoeps mentions Hom. vii 4/Rec. ii 56 5). It is only in an article written by Molland that we find an investigation of the relation between the Pseudo-Clementines and the canonical Acts based upon all passages which are important for the subject 6).