Clement of Alexandria: STROMATA (MISCELLANIES), Part V, Complete

Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson.

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Page 51

After abandoning idols, then, they will hear the Scripture, "Unless your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" [3498] (who justified themselves in the way of abstinence from what was evil),--so as, along with such perfection as they evinced, and "the loving of your neighbour," to be able also to do good, you shall not "be kingly." [3499]

For intensification of the righteousness which is according to the law shows the Gnostic. So one who is placed in the head, which is that which rules its own body--and who advances to the summit of faith, which is the knowledge (gnosis) itself, for which all the organs of perception exist--will likewise obtain the highest inheritance.

The primacy of knowledge the apostle shows to those capable of reflection, in writing to those Greeks of Corinth, in the following terms: "But having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be magnified in you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the Gospel beyond you." [3500] He does not mean the extension of his preaching locally: for he says also that in Achaia faith abounded; and it is related also in the Acts of the Apostles that he preached the word in Athens. [3501] But he teaches that knowledge (gnosis), which is the perfection of faith, goes beyond catechetical instruction, in accordance with the magnitude of the Lord's teaching and the rule of the Church. [3502] Wherefore also he proceeds to add, "And if I am rude in speech, yet I am not in knowledge." [3503]

[3498] Matt. v. 20; Jas. ii. 8.

[3499] basilikoi, Jas. ii. 8 (royal law).

[3500] 2 Cor. x. 15, 16.

[3501] Acts xvii.

[3502] [Canon-law referred to as already recognised. And see 2 Cor. x. 13-15 (Greek), as to a certain ecclesiastical rule or canon observed by the apostles. It may refer, primarily, to (Gal. ii. 9) limitations of apostolic work and jurisdiction. See Bunsen, iii. 217.]

[3503] 2 Cor. xi. 6.

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