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In 1 Clement, the author prays for rulers and says God gave them their authority, as Paul says in Romans 13, but goes further by making obedience to rulers part of obeying God, in a prayer that likely comes from Jewish worship friendly to Roman rule.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Romans 13:1
New Testament
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2 So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment 3 (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation 4 because it is God’s servant for your well-being. But be afraid if you do wrong because government does not bear the sword for nothing. It is God’s servant to administer punishment on the person who does wrong. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience.
Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 61:1
First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
Early Christian
1 “You, Lord and Master, have given them the power of sovereignty through Your excellent and unspeakable might, that we knowing the glory and honor which You have given them may submit ourselves to them, in nothing resisting Your will. Grant to them therefore, Lord, health, peace, concord, stability, that they may administer the government which You have given them without failure.” 2 “For You, O heavenly Master, King of the ages, give to the sons of men glory and honor and power over all things that are upon the earth. Lord, direct their counsel according to that which is good and well pleasing in Your sight, that, administering in peace and gentleness with Godliness the power which You have given them, they may obtain Your favor.”
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Notes and References
“... In these types of texts the early church is an expression of the aspect of Hellenistic Judaism, which was friendly to Roman authority. 1 Clement 60.4—61.2 is part of a prayer that shows strongly Jewish origins (see Clement of Rome). Even more than Romans 13, it presents the civil authorities as lieutenants of God. In contrast to Romans 13 and 1 Clement 60–61, 1 Peter does not present the civil authorities as subordinate officers representing God. ...”
Martin, Ralph P.
Dictionary of the Later New Testament & Its Developments
(p. 383) InterVarsity Press, 1997
* 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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