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Begin Typing VigilThe so-called second epistle of Clement is found in the two Greek manuscripts of 1 Clement, and in the Syriac version, but it is not in the Latin or Coptic versions, and it is never quoted by Clement of Alexandria, though apparent reminiscences of its language have given rise to the view that he was acquainted with it. It is clear from the manuscript tradition that at least as early as the fifth century, and probably earlier, it was in some circles closely associated with 1 Clement, though this was not the case in the Coptic church, which perhaps represents early Alexandrian tradition, or in the Latin Church. Western writers do, it is true, seem to speak of a 'second epistle' of Clement, but they refer not to our 2 Clement, but to the pseudepigraphic epistle of Clement to James.
2 Clement is a letter only in form, and scarcely in that, for the writer distinctly states (ch 19) that he is reading aloud, and implies that he is doing so in a meeting for religious worship: it is thus clear that it is really more a sermon than a letter. The main object of the writer is to inculcate a high Christology, a pure life, and a belief in the resurrection of the flesh. So much is generally agreed and it is, moreover, clear that it cannot have been written by the author of 1 Clement; but there is no commonly accepted view as to the community to which it was sent.
Equally uncertain is the date of the book. In the absence of any direct references to contemporary events, it can only be dated by considering its place in the general development of Christian doctrine. This is a very insecure guide, but probably the half century between 120 and 170 A.D. is the period chosen by the general opinion of the best critics, and within these limits +150 A.D. is most usually accepted, except by those who agree with Harnack to identify 2 Clement with the letter of Soter to the Corinthians.
Included here are the Catholic Epistles, Hebrews, and the formerly canonical works of the Second Testament.