The Esoteric Nature of the Pseudo-Clementine Literature

This chapter analyzes the framing of the Pseudo-Clementine literature, highlighting how it is presented as secret knowledge. The chapter explores the letters found at the beginning of the homilies, including a letter from Peter the Apostle to James, instructing him to keep the book of sermons away from unprepared individuals. It also discusses a letter from Clement to James, claiming that Peter appointed Clement as the leader of the Roman church. The chapter points out the confusion and contradictions within these letters and emphasizes how they establish the authoritative and esoteric nature of the Clementine romance.