The Sinhala translation of Second Clement is now available online, and may be accessed from the Sinhala resources page.
This work is the earliest surviving Christian homily or sermon, which scholars date to as early as 100 A.D.
Although it is called “Second Clement”, its author is anonymous. The title comes from the fact that it appears in manuscripts next to Clement of Rome’s Epistle to the Corinthians (it is included in the 5th century Codex Alexandrinus), and was often historically attributed to the same Clement. The work may have been attached to Clement’s epistle from earliest times – perhaps even delivered to the Corinthians at the same time as Clement’s epistle.
Second Clement is included in the collection of the earliest Christian writings, known as the “Apostolic Fathers”, for their close proximity to the age of the first apostles.
The content of the sermon is noteworthy for its early recognition of the writings of the New Testament as Scripture. The preacher strongly encourages repentance, and with it fasting and almsgiving, since the Day of Judgment will come at an hour that no one knows.
Have you ever heard a sermon like this?
UPDATE October 13, 2022: The Tamil translation of Second Clement is also now available online.
This page can also be accessed from the Tamil resources page.