Clement of Alexandria’s “Who is the rich man that can be saved?”

Clement of Alexandria was one of the most well-read of the Early Church Fathers. Little is known regarding Clement’s life before becoming a Christian, beyond the supposition that he was born around A.D. 150 in Alexandria or Athens. After converting, however, he traveled around the Mediterranean seeking instruction from those in the Church. Becoming both head of the catechetical school and presbyter of the Church in Alexandria, he taught many Christians including Origen.

In this work, the last presented by this author, we are treated to what reads like an early sermon from Clement. Here, he exposits the passage from Matthew 19 in which Jesus commands a rich young ruler to sell his worldly possessions. Clement explores the implications of this text for those with wealth, along with demonstrating his own methods of interpreting Scripture.

And now, please enjoy this rendition of Book one of Clement of Alexandria’s “Who is the rich man that can be saved?”

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.