Thanks. That is a remarkable reference.Here, Peter, add this to your list. The earliest example I think of Christian self-identity and Chrestos. From 1 Clement:I think this is the most important reference of all the discovered references about Christianity because it traces Chrestos to something fundamental i.e. Israel.It is right and holy therefore, men and brethren, rather to obey God than to follow those who, through pride and sedition, have become the leaders of a detestable emulation. For we shall incur no slight injury, but rather great danger, if we rashly yield ourselves to the inclinations of men who aim at exciting strife and tumults, so as to draw us away from what is good. Let us be kind (χρηστευσώμεθα) one to another after the pattern of the tender mercy and benignity of our Creator. For it is written, The Chrestoi (χρηστοὶ) shall inhabit the land, and the guiltless shall be left upon it, but transgressors shall be destroyed from off the face of it. Proverbs 2:21-22 And again [the Scripture] says, I saw the ungodly highly exalted, and lifted up like the cedars of Lebanon: I passed by, and, behold, he was not; and I diligently sought his place, and could not find it. Preserve innocence, and look on equity: for there shall be a remnant to the peaceable man. Let us cleave, therefore, to those who cultivate peace with godliness, and not to those who hypocritically profess to desire it.
Statistics: Posted by Peter Kirby — Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:58 am