Texts in Conversation
In 1 Peter 4, the author urges mutual care because love covers sins. In 2 Clement, the preacher applies the saying to giving to the poor, interpreting such love as repentance that removes the giver's sins.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
1 Peter 4:8
New Testament
7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. 8 Above all keep your love for one another fervent because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
2 Clement 16:4
Early Christian
2 For if we let go of these pleasures and subdue our soul by refusing to follow its evil desires, we shall share in the mercy of Jesus. 3 But you know that the day of judgment comes even now like a burning oven, and the powers of the heavens shall melt, and all the earth like lead melting in the fire, and then shall appear the hidden and the open works of humanity. 4 Giving to the poor, therefore, is good, just like repentance from sin. Fasting is better than prayer, but giving to the poor is better than both. And love covers a multitude of sins, while prayer from a good conscience delivers from death. Blessed is everyone found full of these virtues. For giving to the poor lifts the burden of sin.
Date: 130-160 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
“... 2 Clement 16.4 contains the citation of 1 Pet 4:8 (along with Tob 12:8-9) [...] The reference to 1 Pet 4:8 is also significant for the theological claim advanced by the author. With an emphasis on the eschatological context of ethics similar to that found in 1 Peter 4, the author of 2 Clement interprets this saying from 1 Pet 4:8 as an indication that the human love demonstrated through the practice of ἐλεημοσύνη signifies one’s repentance and covers a multitude of sins for the one who shows mercy to the needy. All those who hear this sermon are commissioned as agents in this mutual assistance, for all are called to repentance. ...”
Downs, David J.
Alms: Charity, Reward, and Atonement in Early Christianity
(pp. 190-191) Baylor University Press, 2016
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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