Texts in Conversation
In 1 Clement, the author says the one thing impossible for God is to lie, the same claim Hebrews makes about the promise sworn to Abraham, one of several places where Clement repeats ideas found in Hebrews without ever naming that letter.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Hebrews 6:18
New Testament
13 Now when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you greatly and multiply your descendants abundantly.” 15 And so by persevering, Abraham inherited the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and the oath serves as a confirmation to end all dispute. 17 In the same way God wanted to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise that his purpose was unchangeable, and so he intervened with an oath, 18 so that we who have found refuge in him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.
Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 27:2
First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
Early Christian
1 With this hope therefore let our souls be bound to Him that is faithful in His promises and that is righteous in His judgments. 2 He that commanded not to lie, much more shall He Himself not lie; for nothing is impossible with God except to lie. 3 Therefore let our faith in Him be kindled within us, and let us understand that all things are near to Him. 4 By a word of His majesty He compacted the universe; and by a word He can destroy it. 5 Who shall say to Him, “What have You done?” or who shall resist the might of His strength? When He wills, and as He wills, He will do all things; and nothing shall pass away of those things that He has decreed.
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Notes and References
“... The most important similarities are as follows: Jesus is one “who, being the reflection of [God’s] majesty is greater than angels to the extent that he has inherited a more excellent name” (1 Clem. 36:2 / Heb 1:2–4). [...] Both authors list examples of Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Rahab, and those who went about “in the skins of sheep and goats” (1 Clem. 9:3–10:1; 12:1–3; 17:1 / Heb 11). Both exhort listeners to hasten toward their goal with eyes fixed upon God (1 Clem. 19:2 / Heb 12:1), caution that God searches people (1 Clem. 21:9 / Heb 4:12), say that it is impossible for God to lie (1 Clem. 27:2 / Heb 6:18), recall that Moses was faithful in God’s house (1 Clem. 43:1 / Heb 3:5), quote Prov 3:12 (1 Clem. 56:4 / Heb 12:6), and identify God as the master or father of spirits (1 Clem. 64:1 / Heb 12:9). ...”
Koester, Craig R.
Hebrews: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary
(p. 22) Doubleday, 2001
* 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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