The Problem with 2 Peter 1:1

[Desire Of All Nations]

You are mincing words and quenching the Spirit.

"He", the "Helper", "the Spirit of Truth"-- But who is "the Truth?" By what you have just said, you deny that Jesus is God also!

As for the Spirit, which was not called "He" until Christ introduced "Him", He has inspired the scriptures. But we [should] know that "the world itself could not contain the books that would be written"-- meaning that just as Jesus said “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now", that having told us also that He would send "Him", "the Spirit of Truth"--rightfully called "Holy", is indeed "outside" the scriptures, but not outside of God and what He has appointed (for our times).

Jesus referring to the Holy Spirit as "He" doesn't make it an actual Person. Proverbs refers to wisdom as a female, but it doesn't make wisdom an actual person either. Ships are given names, but that doesn't make them actual people either. The angel Gabriel called the Holy Spirit "the power of the Highest" in Luk. 1:35. It simply doesn't get any plainer than this that there are too many logic holes in trinitarianism for any real bible student to believe in that kind of foolishness.

 

[ScottA]

Jesus referring to the Holy Spirit as "He" doesn't make it an actual Person. Proverbs refers to wisdom as a female, but it doesn't make wisdom an actual person either. Ships are given names, but that doesn't make them actual people either. The angel Gabriel called the Holy Spirit "the power of the Highest" in Luk. 1:35. It simply doesn't get any plainer than this that there are too many logic holes in trinitarianism for any real bible student to believe in that kind of foolishness.

By that (your) logic Jesus called God Father...and perhaps He isn't a He either.

But, no, Each has been revealed in the fullness of time, named, and referred to as such by the greatest authority--and I believe [their] report.

 

[Scott Downey]

Jesus referring to the Holy Spirit as "He" doesn't make it an actual Person. Proverbs refers to wisdom as a female, but it doesn't make wisdom an actual person either. Ships are given names, but that doesn't make them actual people either. The angel Gabriel called the Holy Spirit "the power of the Highest" in Luk. 1:35. It simply doesn't get any plainer than this that there are too many logic holes in trinitarianism for any real bible student to believe in that kind of foolishness.

The person hood of the Holy Spirit

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11 NASB).

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God (Romans 8:27 TNIV).

And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13 NRSV).

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say (Luke 12:12 NRSV).

But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning (John 15:26, 27 NKJV).

But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative— and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit— he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you (John 14:26 NLT).

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God (Romans 8:14 NRSV).

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me (Acts 20:22, 23 TNIV).

Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it” (Acts 8:29 NRSV).

The Spirit told Philip to catch up with the chariot (Acts 8:29 CEV).

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them” (Acts 10:19, 20 TNIV).

Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son (Acts 20:28 NRSV)

While they were worshiping the Lord and going without eating, the Holy Spirit told them, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have chosen them” (Acts 13:2 CEV).

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26 NKJV)

Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years” (Genesis 6:3 NIV).

When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8 TNIV).

To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills (1 Corinthians 12:8–11 ESV).

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you (Romans 8:11 NRSV).

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2 NIV).

For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21 NIV).

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” (Acts 5:3 NKJV).

You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do (Acts 7:51 NRSV).

I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you (John 14:18 NRSV).

But it is actually best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Counselor won’t come. If I do go away, he will come because I will send him to you (John 16:7 NLT).

But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning (John 15:26-27 RSV).

For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials (Acts 15:28 NRSV).

He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you (John 16:14 NIV).

All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:13-14 ESV).

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons (1 Timothy 4:1 ESV).

Dear friends, don’t believe everyone who claims to have the Spirit of God. Test them all to find out if they really do come from God. Many false prophets have already gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 CEV).

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NLT).

 

[Marymog]

No, he did not.....nowhere did Jesus ever refer to himself or the Holy Spirit as “God”.
Any reference to gender or person in connection with the Holy Spirit had to do with Greek grammar, not identifying God’s spirit as a separate person..

That is what you have been taught (or taught yourself) because, as stated previously, you IGNORE the passages that don't fit your theory and only read passages that fit your theory.

Mary

 

[Marymog]

You are correct, nothing will convince me that the Catholic church is anything but a travesty..... but JW’s are not Arians. .

Lol...Jane....You crack me up. I know that you know that you and your ilk are in the EXTREME minority on this matter. It is not only the Catholic Church that teaches the Trinity doctrine. ALL major denominations teach it. So for you to exclusively point out "the Catholic Church" is dishonest and narrow minded. The men you have decided to follow teach a doctrine that is considered heretical by some of the greatest Christian theologians of all times.

Once again, I know NOTHING I say will change your mind. You can write 1 thousand more words in defense of what you have been taught. Each time you write I read more and more beliefs you have been taught that show me that your heart has been corrupted by men who have tickled your ears. Example: You said, "I don’t rely on the so called “apostolic fathers” to furnish my truth....I rely on Jesus and his apostles whose teachings are recorded under the direction of God’s spirit....and they never once mentioned a trinity.

Do you even realize how bizarre that statement is? You don't rely on the writings of men who walked and talked with and were students of the Apostles for "truth" but you rely on the writings of men who lived hundreds (Arius) or even thousands of years later for the 'truth'? OR, even worse, you rely on YOURSELF? YOU rely on Jesus.....but anyone that disagrees with you didn't rely on Jesus? That is, and I don't know what other word to use, BIZARRE.

Keeping it real......Mary

 

[Illuminator]

I don’t rely on the so called “apostolic fathers” to furnish my truth....I rely on Jesus and his apostles whose teachings are recorded under the direction of God’s spirit....and they never once mentioned a trinity.

Wrong.
Quotes from the Early Church Fathers: on the Trinity
not a Catholic source

 

[Aunty Jane]

Lol...Jane....You crack me up. I know that you know that you and your ilk are in the EXTREME minority on this matter. It is not only the Catholic Church that teaches the Trinity doctrine. ALL major denominations teach it. So for you to exclusively point out "the Catholic Church" is dishonest and narrow minded. The men you have decided to follow teach a doctrine that is considered heretical by some of the greatest Christian theologians of all times.

Right back atcha Mary....you kinda crack me up too.....me and my ilk are very happy to NOT be part of the confused rabble that is Christendom.
Jesus was not part of a majority and said that his true followers would not be either. "Few" he said, were on the road to life, which means that the "many" are going in the opposite direction. (Matthew 7:13-14) They will not like where it leads them.

Jesus was considered a 'heretic' in Jewish circles, so nothing new there......the great theological minds of his time wanted to kill him.

If you are not part of a hated minority, experiencing persecution and the ire of people who get their panties in a twist at the mere mention of challenging their doctrines, you are not what Jesus described as one of his disciples....

“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. But you do not belong to the world
because I have chosen you out of the world, and therefore the world hates you.
20 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘a servant is not greater than his master.’
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours as well.
21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me." (NCB)
(John 15:18-21)

Do you even realize how bizarre that statement is? You don't rely on the writings of men who walked and talked with and were students of the Apostles for "truth" but you rely on the writings of men who lived hundreds (Arius) or even thousands of years later for the 'truth'? OR, even worse, you rely on YOURSELF? YOU rely on Jesus.....but anyone that disagrees with you didn't rely on Jesus? That is, and I don't know what other word to use, BIZARRE.

It might seem 'bizarre' from your perspective, but God has always provided men to teach his word to mankind. Its just a matter of who and when.

At the beginning of the first century God brought his son into the world with no fanfare or obvious grandeur among the masses, but none the less his humble beginnings set the tone for the life he would lead and what was important to his God and Father.
When he presented himself for baptism, then it was that something extraordinary happened....he was anointed for his role as Messiah and empowered by God's spirit to perform miracles. He was also an excellent teacher. He sought out the sinners to given them opportunity to be forgiven and to find the God whom they had lost.

For hundred of years the Jews had been left to their own devices and were by this time incorrigible, and unteachable. Jesus was not sent to the religious leaders but to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel"....not to condemn them, but to invite them to learn about the God they had never been taught about.
Many responded and left their sinful ways behind them and became Jesus' disciples.
The men chosen as Jesus' apostles had a role to play at that time and they fulfilled it as they were instructed.... that was the time when the Christian arrangement needed separating from the corrupted Jewish system of worship.
But Jesus told his disciples that Christianity too would be corrupted in exactly the same way as Judaism had been. I don't believe it is hard to see where and when that took place.

Humble beginnings for the Christians, meant no ornate buildings, no fancy attire or religious titles....and the first Christians were taught to share what they had with one another. (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)

But Daniel prophesied that "at the time of the end" God would 'cleanse, whiten and refine' his worshippers, (Daniel 12:9-10) and he did this by waking up some to the corruption which was rife in Christendom, and like the first Christians, gradually separating from its corrupt teachings. This was foretold in the parable of the "wheat and the weeds".

I believe that the spiritual awakening that took place when the "time of the end" began, was one of those times when God raised up those he used to search out and teach "the lost sheep" of Christendom. Jesus' last instructions to his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20......
"Then Jesus approached them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the world.”

This was not an option.....it was a command....and the true disciples of Christ have been engaged in this work for over 100 years, calling on their neighbors as the early Christians did. (John 10:11-14; Matthew 24:14)

The "end" is in sight......but does the Catholic church believe this? Is it preparing its members for what is to come as Jesus said?

 

[Aunty Jane]

Wrong.
Quotes from the Early Church Fathers: on the Trinity
not a Catholic source

The early church Fathers were not apostles like the twelve, nor were their writings ever considered scripture.
We need God's word to learn the truth....not what came later from the ideas of those who deviated from what scripture taught.

I checked out your source....you are free to believe whomever you wish......

Really?

 

[Marymog]

It might seem 'bizarre' from your perspective, but God has always provided men to teach his word to mankind. Its just a matter of who and when.

Yup, definitely bizarre. According to your theory the men who were students of the Apostles were not the "men to teach His word to mankind". Your theory suggest that the men who lived hundreds or thousands of years later are the men of "who and when". Or, YOU are the man since YOU have studied the bible for 50 years. Throw away the writings of the men who were students of the Apostles and accept the writings of Aunty Jane? Not logical and very bizarre.

 

[Marymog]

The early church Fathers were not apostles like the twelve, nor were their writings ever considered scripture.
We need God's word to learn the truth....not what came later from the ideas of those who deviated from what scripture taught.

Hmmmm....you don't like the ECF's. How about the Apostolic Fathers? Men who were students of the Apostles. Did they deviate from what Scripture taught?

The writings of Clement of Rome, an Apostolic Father, were considered Scripture at one time. Would you accept what he wrote OR do you feel he deviated from what Scripture taught?

Curious Mary

 

[Marymog]

Right back atcha Mary....you kinda crack me up too.....me and my ilk are very happy to NOT be part of the confused rabble that is Christendom.

Right...you and your men are not confused but the majority of Christianity is? Everyone else got it wrong but your men got it right? Hmmmm.....

 

[Aunty Jane]

Right...you and your men are not confused but the majority of Christianity is? Everyone else got it wrong but your men got it right? Hmmmm.....

History is repeating as it always does....the reason why is because humans never see the connection and therefore keep on repeating the same errors. Satan loves us for that.

It’s a pattern down through human history.....satan uses the same tactics and we fall for them every time. The reason why there are two roads is because we only have two choices. Serve God or serve the devil.....that’s it. With every decision we make about our worship we are showing God which road we have chosen to travel. (Matthew 7:13-14) He will not interfere with our choice because it is ours to make.

God has never sided with the majority because they belong to his adversary who is a master manipulator of man’s perceptions and a facilitator of every human desire. When you are given what you want, who goes looking for something else? (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

If you have chosen your god and he is aligned with the RCC, then be on your way. Your choice is made and your destination is set. That goes for all of us. Our choices will determine our destination. There are only two ways to go, and we are all on either one or the other. God knows which path we have chosen and why we have chosen it......and that is all that matters. Some of us will be delighted and others will be devastated.....(Matthew 7:21-23)....Jesus will let us know then, if we chose wisely.

 

[Marymog]

God has never sided with the majority because they belong to his adversary who is a master manipulator of man’s perceptions and a facilitator of every human desire. When you are given what you want, who goes looking for something else? (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Hmmmm....the majority belong to His adversary? That means that the majority of Christians have not been set free and don't know the truth (John 8:32).....only those that believe what you believe know the truth....which is the minority. You make it sound like God has lost and the adversary has won.

 

[DavidB]

History is repeating as it always does....the reason why is because humans never see the connection and therefore keep on repeating the same errors. Satan loves us for that.

It’s a pattern down through human history.....satan uses the same tactics and we fall for them every time. The reason why there are two roads is because we only have two choices. Serve God or serve the devil.....that’s it. With every decision we make about our worship we are showing God which road we have chosen to travel. (Matthew 7:13-14) He will not interfere with our choice because it is ours to make.

God has never sided with the majority because they belong to his adversary who is a master manipulator of man’s perceptions and a facilitator of every human desire. When you are given what you want, who goes looking for something else? (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

If you have chosen your god and he is aligned with the RCC, then be on your way. Your choice is made and your destination is set. That goes for all of us. Our choices will determine our destination. There are only two ways to go, and we are all on either one or the other. God knows which path we have chosen and why we have chosen it......and that is all that matters. Some of us will be delighted and others will be devastated.....(Matthew 7:21-23)....Jesus will let us know then, if we chose wisely.

“Jesus will let us know if we have chosen wisely.” That is what it all boils down to.

 

[Aunty Jane]

Hmmmm....the majority belong to His adversary? That means that the majority of Christians have not been set free and don't know the truth (John 8:32).....only those that believe what you believe know the truth....which is the minority. You make it sound like God has lost and the adversary has won.

No, God is never a loser.....he has simply given his adversary, and all whom he is able to deceive....enough rope. We can use it to help us get out of the pit that the devil has dug for mankind with all manner of false worship.....or we can put that noose around our neck and take a leap of faith that may well end our existence. Again the choice is ours.

 

[GEN2REV]

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NLT).

And they turned, one and all, and baptized everyone in the Name of Jesus Christ.

 

[DavidB]

'Simon Peter, a Servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ,
to them that have obtained like precious faith with us
through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
(2 Peter 1:1)

Hello there, @DavidB,

If you extend your consideration from verse one to those that follow, you will see reference to The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to our Saviour Jesus Christ, also to the Divine power and new nature which we have in Christ Jesus: so in this opening chapter of Peter's epistle the working of God is seen in three ways, through God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is fatal to emphasise one verse above the context of the chapter, or book, within which it comes. This is our God. Praise His Name!

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Thank you for quoting an accurate translation of 2 Peter 1:1.

 

[tigger 2]

Hmmmm....you don't like the ECF's. How about the Apostolic Fathers? Men who were students of the Apostles. Did they deviate from what Scripture taught?

The writings of Clement of Rome, an Apostolic Father, were considered Scripture at one time. Would you accept what he wrote OR do you feel he deviated from what Scripture taught?

Curious Mary

..................................
What do you believe Clement of Rome wrote?

 

[Illuminator]

..................................
What do you believe Clement of Rome wrote?

Clement’s papal letter to the Corinthians was written about 80 A.D. in an effort to restore peace to the Church at Corinth, Greece which had broken into factions and was intent upon firing some of their presbyters. The epistle is written in Greek and frequently cites the Old Testament. The tone of Papal authority and the theme of Apostolic succession are evident in the letter. Here are some excerpts. Look for evidence of papal authority as you read them.

Letter to the Corinithians (ca. 80 A.D.)

Chapter 1
"The Church of God which sojourns in Rome to the Church of God which sojourns in Corinth, to those who are called and sanctified by the will of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace from Almighty God be multiplied unto you through Jesus Christ."

Chapter 5
Peter, through unjust envy, endured not one or two but many labours, and at last, having delivered his testimony, departed unto the place of glory due to him. Through envy Paul, too, showed by example the prize that is given to patience: seven times was he cast into chains; he was banished; he was stoned; having become a herald, both in the East and in the West, he obtained the noble renown due to his faith; and having preached righteousness to the whole world, and having come to the extremity of the West, and having borne witness before rulers, he departed at length out of the world, and went to the holy place, having become the greatest example of patience.

Chapter 6
To these men, who walked in holiness, there was gathered a great multitude of the elect, who, having suffered, through envy, many insults and tortures, became a most excellent example among us. 6:2 Through envy women were persecuted, even the Danaides and Dircae, who, after enduring dreadful and unholy insults, attained to the sure course of the faith; and they who were weak in body received a noble reward. 6:3 Envy hath estranged the minds of wives from their husbands, and changed the saying of our father Adam: This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh. 6:4 Envy and strife have overthrown mighty cities and rooted out great nations.

Chapter 10
"Owing to the sudden and repeated calamities and misfortunes which have befallen us [probably referring to the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which produced a great fire in Rome] we must acknowledge that we are somewhat tardy in turning our attention to the matters in dispute among you, beloved; and especially that abominable and unholy sedition, alien and foreign to the elect of God, which a few rash and self-willed persons have enflamed to such madness, that your venerable and illustrious name, worthy to be loved by all men, has been greatly defamed."

Chapter 21
"Our Apostles knew through our Lord Jesus Christ that there would be strife for the office of bishop. For this reason, therefore, having received perfect knowledge, they appoint those who have already been mentioned, and afterwards added the further provision that, if they should die, other approved men should succeed to their ministry. As for these, then, who were appointed by them, or who afterwards appointed by other illustrious men with the consent of the whole Church, and who have ministered to the flock of Christ without blame, humbly, peaceably and with dignity, and who have for many years received the commendations of all, we consider it unjust that they be removed from the ministry. Our sin will not be small if we eject from the episcopate those who blamelessly and holily have offered its Sacrifices. Blessed are those presbyters [priests] who have already finished their course, and who have obtained a fruitful and perfect release; for they have now no fear that any shall transfer them from the place appointed [by Almighty God]. For we see that in spite of their good service you have removed some from their ministry in which they served without blame."

Chapter 28a
"If anyone disobey the things which have been said by Him through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger. We, however, shall be innocent of this sin, and will pray with earnest entreaty and supplication that the Creator of all may keep unharmed the number of His elect, which have been counted up in the whole world, through His beloved child Jesus Christ, through whom He has called us from darkness to light, and from ignorance to the full knowledge of the glory of His name."

Chapter 29
"You will afford us joy and gladness if, being obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy, in accord with the plea for peace and concord which we have made in this letter."

St. Clement of Rome (died 110 A.D.)

 

[tigger 2]

Clement’s papal letter to the Corinthians was written about 80 A.D. in an effort to restore peace to the Church at Corinth, Greece which had broken into factions and was intent upon firing some of their presbyters. The epistle is written in Greek and frequently cites the Old Testament. The tone of Papal authority and the theme of Apostolic succession are evident in the letter. Here are some excerpts. Look for evidence of papal authority as you read them.

Letter to the Corinithians (ca. 80 A.D.)

Chapter 1
"The Church of God which sojourns in Rome to the Church of God which sojourns in Corinth, to those who are called and sanctified by the will of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace from Almighty God be multiplied unto you through Jesus Christ."

Chapter 5
Peter, through unjust envy, endured not one or two but many labours, and at last, having delivered his testimony, departed unto the place of glory due to him. Through envy Paul, too, showed by example the prize that is given to patience: seven times was he cast into chains; he was banished; he was stoned; having become a herald, both in the East and in the West, he obtained the noble renown due to his faith; and having preached righteousness to the whole world, and having come to the extremity of the West, and having borne witness before rulers, he departed at length out of the world, and went to the holy place, having become the greatest example of patience.

Chapter 6
To these men, who walked in holiness, there was gathered a great multitude of the elect, who, having suffered, through envy, many insults and tortures, became a most excellent example among us. 6:2 Through envy women were persecuted, even the Danaides and Dircae, who, after enduring dreadful and unholy insults, attained to the sure course of the faith; and they who were weak in body received a noble reward. 6:3 Envy hath estranged the minds of wives from their husbands, and changed the saying of our father Adam: This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh. 6:4 Envy and strife have overthrown mighty cities and rooted out great nations.

Chapter 10
"Owing to the sudden and repeated calamities and misfortunes which have befallen us [probably referring to the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which produced a great fire in Rome] we must acknowledge that we are somewhat tardy in turning our attention to the matters in dispute among you, beloved; and especially that abominable and unholy sedition, alien and foreign to the elect of God, which a few rash and self-willed persons have enflamed to such madness, that your venerable and illustrious name, worthy to be loved by all men, has been greatly defamed."

Chapter 21
"Our Apostles knew through our Lord Jesus Christ that there would be strife for the office of bishop. For this reason, therefore, having received perfect knowledge, they appoint those who have already been mentioned, and afterwards added the further provision that, if they should die, other approved men should succeed to their ministry. As for these, then, who were appointed by them, or who afterwards appointed by other illustrious men with the consent of the whole Church, and who have ministered to the flock of Christ without blame, humbly, peaceably and with dignity, and who have for many years received the commendations of all, we consider it unjust that they be removed from the ministry. Our sin will not be small if we eject from the episcopate those who blamelessly and holily have offered its Sacrifices. Blessed are those presbyters [priests] who have already finished their course, and who have obtained a fruitful and perfect release; for they have now no fear that any shall transfer them from the place appointed [by Almighty God]. For we see that in spite of their good service you have removed some from their ministry in which they served without blame."

Chapter 28a
"If anyone disobey the things which have been said by Him through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in transgression and in no small danger. We, however, shall be innocent of this sin, and will pray with earnest entreaty and supplication that the Creator of all may keep unharmed the number of His elect, which have been counted up in the whole world, through His beloved child Jesus Christ, through whom He has called us from darkness to light, and from ignorance to the full knowledge of the glory of His name."

Chapter 29
"You will afford us joy and gladness if, being obedient to the things which we have written through the Holy Spirit, you will root out the wicked passion of jealousy, in accord with the plea for peace and concord which we have made in this letter."

St. Clement of Rome (died 110 A.D.)

Sorry I'm not looking for papal authority. I want to see evidence of the trinity in this earliest evidence from the earliest Christian writer.