In this article we will continue with our theme of how the Second Century Church flowed in power, love, and sound wisdom (II Timothy 1:7). We are reading what the leaders themselves said about God's power, love, and sound wisdom. Our first two segments described In this third article, we will continue with the description of the love of God in the Church led by the successors of the apostles.
Clement of Rome was one of the leaders of the Church at the turn of the century (A. D. 100). He had worked with the Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:3) and we have a letter, written to the church in Corinth, that was written by him. In this letter Clement described the love of God, saying, "Who can describe the bond of the love of God? Who can tell the excellence of its beauty? The height to which love leads is indescribable. Love unites us to God. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love endures all things, is patient in all things. There is nothing coarse nor arrogant in love. Love does not produce schisms and leads no rebellions. Love does everything in harmony. By love all the elect of God are made perfect. Without love, nothing is well-pleasing to God. In love the Lord took us to Himself. According to His love for us, Jesus Christ our Lord gave His blood for us by the will of God; His flesh for our flesh and His life for our lives. You see, beloved, how great and wonderful love is. There is no way to fully describe its perfection." (This quotation is in Polycarp Disciple of the Apostle John and the Second Century Church, pages 112-113). This sounds like something that was written by one trained by the Apostle Paul, doesn't it?
Next month we will take a look at the power of the Holy Spirit that operated in the Second Century Church. It was an exciting time to be alive and active in the Church, just as it is an exciting time to be a part of the Church and of what God is doing today.