Final answer:
The 'vile and profane faction' mentioned in 1 Clement was identified within the church of Corinth, as addressed in the ancient letter First Epistle of Clement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of 1 Clement, an early Christian writing, learned of a "vile and profane faction" within the Church of Corinth. This epistle, also known as the First Epistle of Clement, holds historical significance as one of the earliest Christian documents outside the New Testament. Believed to be composed toward the end of the first century, it is an earnest letter from the Church of Rome addressed to the Christian community in Corinth.
The primary purpose of 1 Clement is to address internal strife and dissension within the Corinthian church. The mention of a "vile and profane faction" suggests the presence of discord or disruptive elements that threatened the unity of the Christian community. The letter is an exhortation urging the Corinthians to restore harmony, order, and unity within their congregation.
One of the notable aspects of 1 Clement is its emphasis on the authority of church leaders, particularly the hierarchy and order established within the early Christian communities. The author, traditionally attributed to Pope Clement I, underscores the importance of obedience to church authorities and the need for a unified and cohesive body of believers.
In historical context, 1 Clement represents an early attempt to address internal conflicts within a Christian congregation. The epistle provides insights into the challenges faced by nascent Christian communities and the measures taken to maintain doctrinal unity and order. It reflects the concerns of early Christian leaders regarding the potential destabilizing effects of internal dissension on the fledgling Christian movement.