First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

T wo N atures of G od the S on

The Divinity of Jesus F irst C lement 36: This is the way, dear ones, in which we find our Savior who is Jesus Christ, the High Priest of all our offerings, the defender and helper of our frailty. By Him we look up to the heights of heaven. By Him we behold, as in a glass, His immaculate and most excellent appearance. By Him are the eyes of our hearts opened. By Him our foolish and darkened understanding blossoms anew toward His marvelous light. By Him the Lord has willed that we should taste of immortal knowledge, who “is the radiance of the glory of God . . . having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs” (Heb 1:3–4). For it is written, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire” (Heb 1:7). But concerning His Son the Lord spoke: “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (Ps 2:7–8; Heb 1:5 ). And again He says to Him, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (Heb 1:13). But who are His enemies? All the immoral and those who set themselves to oppose the will of God. The Humanity of Jesus F irst C lement 32: Whosoever will honestly consider these matters will recognize the greatness of the gifts which were given by Abraham. For from him came the priests and all the Levites who minister at the altar of God. From him also came our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. From him came kings, princes, and rulers of the race of Judah. And his other tribes are not at all insignificant