Janelle Peters: The Crown and the Games in 2 Clement

The imagery of setting sail for the games in 2 Clement has often been taken as an indication of the letter's origin in Corinth rather than in Rome. This paper considers the philosophical implications of the repeated crown, which also concludes the letter. With the dual images of crown and footrace, the motif clearly recalls the athletic metaphors of Paul in 1 Corinthians. For 2 Clement, competitors do not win the crown immediately in order to demonstrate their character. Like 1 Clement, 2 Clement alludes to alien rights and universal citizenship. This emphasis counteracts its more strident representation of eternal reward and punishment.