Lipsius on the Roman Peter-Legend [pp. 265-290]

1S76.] ROMAN PETER-LEGEND. 271
edged that it refers to Rome." Thus, then, we have the testimony of Clement to Paul's martyrdom there. The reason why
the place is not me~ntioned is, that Clement wrote from Rome
to Corinthian Chnstians, who were, therefore, acquainted with
the facts of current church history, and did not need everything to be stated in detail.
We do not, however, accept the inference, that Peter also
was martyred in Rome, from this supposed acquaintanceship
on the part of contemporary Christians. Clement does not omit
the name "because the place (Rome) of Peter's martyrdom
was, of course, well known to his readers," as has been said.
Rather the omission is due to ignorance.
It has often been remarked, that what is said of Peter is much
less definite than what is said of Paul. But how is this possible if the writer knew of one as exactly as of the other? The
elevation of Peter above the other disciples, the constant mention of his name before Paul's, prove that this difference was
not planned. And yet, while Peter's sufferings are mentioned
in a very general way, of Paul we are told, that he was seven
times imprisoned (a statement implying either greater knowledge on the part of Clement than we have, for we know of only
~wo, or else that he is unreliable); again, that Paul was compelled to flee, was stoned, preached both in the east and unto
the extreme limits of the west, and finally suffered martyrdom
~nder the prefects. But how is the difference in the fulness of
information possible? Because the Corinthians knew Peter
better?han Paul, and therefore need have no particulars given
them about him? Hardly. Is not the explanation sufficient,
that Clement, living in Rome, was acquainted with many who
bad been converted under Paul's ministry, yes, had known him
~ersonally, if the epistle be assigned to A.D. 97? Look again
at the expressions. We learn the place and occasion of Paul's
martyrdom-indeed, the very court which condemned him. It
~s not so with Peter. We learn nothing definitely. And yet,
the design is to draw a parallel between them. If Paul and
Peter were the victims of the same persecution, why is not the
fact stated?
Some have urged, that since Peter and Paul are both spoken
of as martyrs, and in the next chapter the Neronian persecution is alluded to, that, therefore, they were victim~ of this per