The Shepherd of Hermas was an especially popular early Christian work, traditionally attributed to Hermas, a freed slave. The book is divided into three sections: Visions, Commands, and Similitudes. It employs a mix of prose and allegory to convey teachings of repentance, moral integrity, eschatology, and other aspects of Christian theology.
This section consists of five visions, each conveying a Christian value: repentance, evangelism, dedication, deliverance, and obedience. Hermas has several divine encounters, most notably with a woman representing the Church and the Shepherd, who instructs him to write the next two sections.
This section consists of twelve commandments delivered by the Shepherd. Each mandate provides ethical guidance for living a righteous Christian life, covering values such as faith, honesty, chastity, humility, and spiritual discernment. These teachings emphasize the importance of moral integrity and spiritual discipline in the daily lives of believers.
This section consists of ten parables delivered by the Shepherd, using everyday situations and symbolic imagery to convey deeper spiritual truths and moral lessons. These parables illustrate the Christian journey, focusing on themes such as perseverance, faithfulness, and the transformative power of repentance and righteous living.
Original translation from The Lost Books of the Bible, 1926, now in the public domain.
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How to cite:
The Lost Books of the Bible. . Translators unknown, edited by Rachel Bousfield. Other Gospels. (accessed ).