Step in line!

Chapters 51-57 consist of Clement's appeal to the church for unity, and for the leaders of the sedition to step in line.

(1) The authors of sedition are urged to repent from their sin, with OT examples of the dire consequences of not repenting quoted.

(2) From Moses' example in the OT, interceding for the people when they sinned and asking to be punished for their sakes, Clement urges the leaders of the sedition that they be willing to step down and suffer loss for the sake of their community. Clement strengthens his argument by referring to heathen kings who were prepared to do the say. Significantly, (in terms of his understanding of the OT canon), Clement quotes not only Ester but also Judith as examples of women interceding for their people.

(3) The readers are urged to correct and admonish one another, and the leaders of the sedition are urged to submit to those leaders they had sort to depose.