The Shepherd of Hermas: An Early Christian Text

The Shepherd of Hermas is one of the most intriguing and widely read Christian writings from the early centuries of the Church. Composed in Rome, likely between 90 and 150 AD, it is attributed to a Christian named Hermas, possibly the same Hermas mentioned in Romans 16:14. This lengthy text, written in Greek, consists of five visions, twelve mandates, and ten parables, forming a unique combination of apocalyptic revelation and moral instruction. Though it was not ultimately included in the New Testament canon, it was considered highly valuable by many early Christian communities and often read alongside Scripture.