See this post for what the Fathers say about the Recognitions of Clement
Clements age when he was converted:
And while in this manner he was teaching the word of God for three whole months, and converting multitudes to the faith, at the last he ordered me to fast; and after the fast he conferred on me the baptism of ever-flowing water, in the fountains which adjoin the sea. And when, for the grace of regeneration divinely conferred upon me, we had joyfully kept holiday with our brethren, Peter ordered those who had been appointed to go before him, to proceed to Antioch, and there to wait three months more. — Recognitions of Clement, Book 6, chapter 15
My father hearing this, and confounded with excessive sorrow, not knowing whither to go or where to seek, went down with me to the harbour, and began to ask of the sailors whether any of them had seen or heard of the bodies of a mother and two little children being cast ashore anywhere, four years ago; when one told one story and another another, but nothing definite was disclosed to us searching in this boundless sea. Yet my father, by reason of the great affection which he bore to his wife and children, was fed with vain hopes, until he thought of placing me under guardians and leaving me at Rome, as I was now twelve years old, and himself going in quest of them. Therefore he went down to the harbour weeping, and going on board a ship, took his departure; and from that time till now I have never received any letters from him, nor do I know whether he is alive or dead. But I rather suspect that he also has perished, either through a broken heart or by shipwreck; for twenty years have now elapsed since then, and no tidings of him have ever reached me. — Recognitions of Clement, Book 7, chapter 10
- Clement was around 32 years old when he was baptized in book 6 chapter 15. You get 32 years through his life story in Recognitions 7.10 – 12 years + 20 years = 32.
Clement confirms his first letter is divinely inspired:
If, however, certain ones disobey the things spoken by Him through us, let them know that they will entangle themselves in no small transgression and danger. But we shall be innocent of this sin.– Clement of Rome, Epistle to the Corinthians chapter 59
It is therefore fitting, in view of such and so great examples, that you should submit your neck and take your place in obedience, being inclined toward those who have been appointed as leaders of our souls, so that, having ceased from vain rebellion, we may reach the goal set before us in truth, without any blame. For you will bring us joy and gladness, if, becoming obedient to the things written by us through the Holy Spirit, you cut off the unlawful wrath of your jealousy in accordance with the intercession we have made concerning peace and concord in this letter. – Clement of Rome, Epistle to the Corinthians chapter 63
Church Fathers
Irenaeus
In the time of this Clement, no small dissension having occurred among the brethren at Corinth, the Church in Rome dispatched a most powerful letter to the Corinthians, exhorting them to peace, renewing their faith, and declaring the tradition which it had lately received from the apostles, proclaiming the one God, omnipotent, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Creator of man, who brought on the deluge, and called Abraham, who led the people from the land of Egypt, spoke with Moses, set forth the law, sent the prophets, and who has prepared fire for the devil and his angels. From this document, whosoever chooses to do so, may learn that He, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, was preached by the Churches, and may also understand the apostolic tradition of the Church, since this Epistle is of older date than these men who are now propagating falsehood, and who conjure into existence another god beyond the Creator and the Maker of all existing things. – Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.3.3
Clement of Alexandria
…Now Clemens, in his Epistle to the Corinthians, while expounding the differences of those who are approved according to the Church, says expressly, “One may be a believer; one may be powerful in uttering knowledge; one may be wise in discriminating between words; one may be terrible in deeds.” – Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata Book 1 Chapter 7
- 1 Clement Chapter 48 Let a man be faithful: let him be powerful in the utterance of knowledge; let him be wise in judging of words; let him be pure in all his deeds; yet the more he seems to be superior to others [in these respects], the more humble-minded ought he to be, and to seek the common good of all, and not merely his own advantage.
Moreover, in the Epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle Clement also, drawing a picture of the Gnostic, says: “For who that has sojourned among you has not proved your perfect and firm faith? And has not admired your sound and gentle piety? And has not celebrated the munificent style of your hospitality? And has not felicitated your complete and sure knowledge? For you did all things impartially, and walked in the ordinances of God;” and so forth. [Clement quotes huge chunks of 1 Clement in this chapter] – Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, Book 4, chapter 17
For doubting, in Timaoeus, whether we ought to regard several worlds as to be understood by many heavens, or this one, he makes no distinction in the names, calling the world and heaven by the same name. But the words of the statement are as follows: “Whether, then, have we rightly spoken of one heaven, or of many and infinite? It were more correct to say one, if indeed it was created according to the model.” Further, in the Epistle of the Romans to the Corinthians it is written, “An ocean illimitable by men and the worlds after it.” (1 Clement 20) Consequently, therefore, the noble Apostle exclaims, “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33)– Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, Book 5, chapter 12
Origen
Clement indeed, a disciple of the apostles, makes mention of those whom the Greeks called ᾿Αντίχθονες, and other parts of the earth, to which no one of our people can approach, nor can any one of those who are there cross over to us, which he also termed worlds, saying, “The ocean is impassable to men; and those are worlds which are on the other side of it, which are governed by these same arrangements of the ruling God.” (1 Clement 20) – Origen, On First Principles 2.3.6
[“…and took me up by the top of my head…”] Since there are quite a number of inner gates—[including] also the one looking toward the South, the one toward the East, and another toward the West—[he specifies that] he is led toward the one looking toward the North, so that when he looks up from there he will see the [disasters] coming against the sinners in this “northerly world.” For there are other “worlds” on this earth too, as science demonstrates; and also, Clement says, “The Ocean is impassable for human beings; and the worlds beyond it are directed by the same ordinances of the Master.” (1 Clement 20) – Origen, Fragments on Ezekiel 8.3
“…That this was the case the faithful Clement assumes, on the faith of the narratives, to whom Paul bears witness when he says, “With Clement also, and the others, my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3 If there is anything in these narratives that appears incongruous to one who is minded to carp at mysteries revealed to few, the same difficulty attaches to the office that was laid on the martyrs, for it was God’s will that we should rather endure all the dreadful reproaches connected with confessing Him as God, than escape for a short time from such sufferings (which men count evil) by allowing ourselves by our words to conform to the will of the enemies of the truth. [see 1 Clement 55] – Origen, Commentary on John 6:36
Eusebius
There is extant an epistle of this Clement which is acknowledged to be genuine and is of considerable length and of remarkable merit. He wrote it in the name of the church of Rome to the church of Corinth, when a sedition had arisen in the latter church. We know that this epistle also has been publicly used in a great many churches both in former times and in our own. And of the fact that a sedition did take place in the church of Corinth at the time referred to Hegesippus is a trustworthy witness. Eusebius, Church History, Book 3, chapter 16
Thus Ignatius has done in the epistles which we have mentioned, and Clement in his epistle which is accepted by all, and which he wrote in the name of the church of Rome to the church of Corinth. In this epistle he gives many thoughts drawn from the Epistle to the Hebrews, and also quotes verbally some of its expressions, thus showing most plainly that it is not a recent production. – Eusebius, Church History, Book 3, chapter 38
…There is extant also another epistle written by Dionysius to the Romans [170 A.D.], and addressed to Soter, who was bishop at that time. We cannot do better than to subjoin some passages from this epistle, in which he commends the practice of the Romans which has been retained down to the persecution in our own days. His words are as follows: For from the beginning it has been your practice to do good to all the brethren in various ways, and to send contributions to many churches in every city. Thus relieving the want of the needy, and making provision for the brethren in the mines by the gifts which you have sent from the beginning, you Romans keep up the hereditary customs of the Romans, which your blessed bishop Soter has not only maintained, but also added to, furnishing an abundance of supplies to the saints, and encouraging the brethren from abroad with blessed words, as a loving father his children. In this same epistle he makes mention also of Clement’s epistle to the Corinthians, showing that it had been the custom from the beginning to read it in the church. His words are as follows: “Today we have passed the Lord’s holy day, in which we have read your epistle. From it, whenever we read it, we shall always be able to draw advice, as also from the former epistle, which was written to us through Clement.” – Eusebius, Church History, Book 4, chapter 23
Cyril of Jerusalem:
But the Greeks ask for a resurrection of the dead still manifest; and say that, even if these creatures are raised, yet they had not utterly mouldered away; and they require to see distinctly some creature rise again after complete decay. God knew men’s unbelief, and provided for this purpose a bird, called a Phoenix. This bird, as Clement writes [1 Clement 25], and as many more relate, being the only one of its kind , arrives in the land of the Egyptians at periods of five hundred years, showing forth the resurrection, not in desert places, lest the occurrence of the mystery should remain unknown, but appearing in a notable city , that men might even handle what would otherwise be disbelieved. For it makes itself a coffin of frankincense and myrrh and other spices, and entering into this when its years are fulfilled, it evidently dies and moulders away. Then from the decayed flesh of the dead bird a worm is engendered, and this worm when grown large is transformed into a bird — and do not disbelieve this, for you see the offspring of bees also fashioned thus out of worms , and from eggs which are quite fluid you have seen wings and bones and sinews of birds issue. Afterwards the aforesaid Phoenix, becoming fledged and a full-grown Phoenix, like the former one, soars up into the air such as it had died, showing forth to men a most evident resurrection of the dead. The Phoenix indeed is a wondrous bird, yet it is irrational, nor ever sang praise to God; it flies abroad through the sky, but it knows not who is the Only-begotten Son of God. Has then a resurrection from the dead been given to this irrational creature which knows not its Maker, and to us who ascribe glory to God and keep His commandments, shall there no resurrection be granted? – Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lecture 18
Jerome
Clement, of whom the apostle Paul writing to the Philippians says With Clement and others of my fellow-workers whose names are written in the book of life, the fourth bishop of Rome after Peter, if indeed the second was Linus and the third Anacletus, although most of the Latins think that Clement was second after the apostle. He wrote, on the part of the church of Rome, an especially valuable Letter to the church of the Corinthians, which in some places is publicly read, and which seems to me to agree in style with the epistle to the Hebrews which passes under the name of Paul but it differs from this same epistle, not only in many of its ideas, but also in respect of the order of words, and its likeness in either respect is not very great. There is also a second Epistle under his name which is rejected by earlier writers, and a Disputation between Peter and Appion written out at length, which Eusebius in the third book of his Church history rejects. He died in the third year of Trajan and a church built at Rome preserves the memory of his name unto this day. – Jerome, On Illustrious Men, chapter 15
Nevertheless, it does not yet impel us to a fall. For this reason it is written in the eighteenth Psalm, “Who understands offences?” that is, παραπτώματα (Ps 18:13), for it is, of course, difficult to understand the roots and beginnings of sins. But there is sin when something which has been completed in action attains its goal. We also ask what the phrase means, “In which you once walked, according to the course of this world.” Is there another course which does not pertain to this world but to other worlds, of which Clement also writes in his letter, “The ocean and the worlds which are beyond it” (1 Clement 20.8)? — Jerome, Commentary on Ephesians 2:1-5
“I, therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, pray that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you have been called.” (Ephesians 4:1) It is possible that he writes these words when he had been placed in bonds and in prison before his martyrdom, but it is better if we say “a prisoner of the Lord” in the love of Christ. Clement is also a witness to this fact when he writes to the Corinthians, “Who will be able to expound the bond of the love of God” (1 Clem. 49:2) — Jerome, Commentary on Ephesians 4:1
“Although he was rich, he became poor for our sake;” and he said to those who believe: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble in heart;” concerning whom also Clement, an apostolic man, who after Peter governed the Roman Church, writes to the Corinthians: “The scepter of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, did not come in the display of pride, although he could do all things, but in humility.” (1 Clement 16:2) So much so that when he was struck by the servant of the priest, he answered: “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness concerning the evil; but if rightly, why do you strike me?” Having twelve thousand angels who would obey his commands. He will sprinkle many nations, cleansing them with his blood and consecrating them in baptism to the service of God. – Jerome, Commentary on Isaiah 52:11-13, PL 24:504-5
Didymus the Blind
“From the ends of the earth.” And further, the end is of such a kind, for the sake of which all other things exist, but it itself for the sake of nothing. For example: health is an end—for the sake of this, other things exist, I mean remedies, and also labors and efforts are directed toward this. The ends of the world are also called “extremes”; as it has been said: “Ocean, boundless to men, and the worlds beyond it sail on by the same commands of the Master.” (1 Clement 20) – Didymus the Blind, Commentary on Job [Kommentar zu Hiob, pt. 3 cod. p. 299 line 22]
Apostolic Constitutions
Let the following books be esteemed venerable and holy by you, both of the clergy and laity. Of the Old Covenant: the five books of Moses— Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy; one of Joshua the Son of Nun, one of the Judges, one of Ruth, four of the Kings, two of the Chronicles, two of Ezra, one of Esther, one of Judith, three of the Maccabees, one of Job, one hundred and fifty psalms; three books of Solomon — Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs; sixteen prophets. And besides these, take care that your young persons learn the Wisdom of the very learned Sirach. But our sacred books, that is, those of the New Covenant, are these: the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the fourteen Epistles of Paul; two Epistles of Peter, three of John, one of James, one of Jude; two Epistles of Clement; and the Constitutions dedicated to you the bishops by me Clement, in eight books; which it is not fit to publish before all, because of the mysteries contained in them; and the Acts of us the Apostles. — Apostolic Constitutions, Book 8.5.85 [390 AD]
Clement’s Two Epistles On Virginity:
“These are they to whom Clement, who was the successor of the Apostle Peter, and of whom the Apostle Paul makes mention, wrote letters, directing almost the whole of his discourse to the subject of virgin purity.” – Jerome, Against Jovinianus, Book 1, Chapter 12
Clement himself convicts them of this in every way in his general epistles which are read in the holy churches… he himself teaches celibacy, and they will not accept it. He extols Elijah, David, Samson and all the prophets, whom they abhor. — Epiphanius of Salamis, The Panarion 30.15.2
“because they saw you being subject to those who are greater than yourselves according to that which the apostle has said, “Imitate me, even as I have imitated Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). For it has also been said, “Those who imitate Christ, imitate vigorously; and those who have put on Christ vigorously, make Christ take form in them in all their life, in frame of mind, in speech, in behaviour, in deeds, in constancy, in love perfect towards God.” — Besa the Coptic (5th century), On Obedience (fragment) [Letters and Sermons of Besa: Translation, trans. K.-H. Kuhn, CSCO 158, pp. 19–20].
- “Those, then, who imitate Christ, imitate Him earnestly. For those who have truly put on Christ reflect His image in their thoughts, in the whole manner of their life, in all their actions, in their words, in their deeds, in their patience, in their courage, in their knowledge, in their chastity, in their long-suffering, in their pure heart, in their faith, in their hope, and in their full and perfect love toward God.” Clement of Rome, Epistle 1 on Virginity, chapter 7
Reference to the Psuedo-Clement epistle to James:
Therefore, with God’s help we can and should observe these facts and always teach them to others. Our master Peter very clearly taught us what we ought to be and how we ought to act, when he ordained St. Clement. Since that writing is known to all priests throughout the world, it is not proper for us to quote it too long to your pious hearts. However, we thought a short passage from this letter should be inserted. If we are willing to listen carefully, doubtless we can find abundant means of devoting ourselves to God, of engaging in reading or teaching. Among other things there blessed Peter said to St. Clement: “You now should renounce all worldly preoccupations. Do not become involved in matters of worldly business; no longer pledge yourself as surety; do not become a legal advocate, for today Christ does not will to ordain you as a judge of secular matters. If you are choked with the cares of ordinary men you will have no time for the word of God or to distinguish good from evil in accord with the laws of truth.” A little farther on we read: “Your piety is subject to reproach, if you neglect to study the word of God and take upon yourself worldly cares”; and again: “if you are excessively preoccupied with worldly cares, you deceive both yourself and those who listen to you.” — Caesarius of Arles, Sermon 1.18
Extra
Codex Alexandrinus: Along with the New Testament books, it also contains 1 and 2 Clement. Compiled/written: 5th century (commonly c. 400–440)