Clement, bishop of Rome, was responding to reports about troubles again with those pesky Corinthian Christians. 40 years or so earlier, St. Paul had done the same. It's easy to see why for the first couple hundred years (even Eusebius, bp. of Ceasarea in Palestine considered it inspired in the early 4th century) this letter circulated with what would become the New Testament writings. His faith is apostolic as is his belief that he's merely standing in an authoritative line of men who are exhorting Christian behavior and beliefs. This letter was probably composed about the same time some of the writings of St. John were, and probably before 2 Peter and some of the pseudepigraphical Pauline literature.

This volume also shares with the reader the early 2nd century writings of Ignatius, bishop of Antioch and martyr. Again we get snapshots of early Christian communities in communion, part of the "great" Church, who submit to ecclesial authority, enjoy a sacred meal, etc.

Along with volume 4 of the Ancient Christian Writers Series (Didache, Epistle of Barnabas...) these writings are second only to Scripture itself in early Church authority. In fact before the creation of the New Testament canon, the 1st epistle of Clement was widely regarded as Scripture.
This is a must-read for Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and anyone who wants to know anything about the early Church.

These are very good books to read as they give an insight into the teachings of the early church. They are in every respect akin to Gospels.

Don't be put off by 'Catholic' reviewers, who have in fact ignored that the Orthodox Church is descendant from these thinkers as well (hence it also is 'Catholic' - which just means universal). Thus when Clement urgres obey bishops he means ALL the bishops of the Christian community, not just the Bishop of Rome!