Clement

Clement (meaning: mild, merciful) was a fellow laborer of Paul mentioned in Philippians 4:3, where Paul places him among those whose names are in the book of life. He was associated with the church at Philippi and worked alongside Euodia, Syntyche, and others in the labors of the gospel. Beyond this single reference in Paul's letter, nothing in Scripture further identifies him.

Early church tradition — beginning with Origen and widely accepted in subsequent centuries — identified this Clement with Clement of Rome, the author of the important late first-century letter known as 1 Clement addressed to the Corinthians, and traditionally listed as the third or fourth bishop of Rome. This identification, while plausible given the chronology, cannot be verified. What is certain from the Philippians text is that Clement occupied a recognized position of trust and usefulness in the Pauline mission, and that his fidelity was such that Paul publicly commended him in an apostolic letter.