Apocryphal Books > New Testament Apocrypha and the Apostolic Fathers > The Shepherd of Hermas
The Shepherd of Hermas
This work, composed as early as the late 1st century AD, but more likely in the mid 2nd century, was highly regarded and even considered canonical by some sources such as Irenaeus. It is found in the Codex Sinaiticus and takes its name from a messenger appearing as a shepherd in order to deliver twelve commands to Hermas. It is thought the shepherd may represent Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Those who believe The Shepherd of Hermas was written in the 1st century associate it with the Hermas mentioned in Romans 16:14, while the majority believe the “Hermas” in question is none other than the brother of Pius I, who would have thus written in the mid 2nd century. Besides the possibly late date of composition, also weighing heavily against its canonicity is the message of impossible moral perfectionism outside the mainstream of Christian thought, and the fact it lacks the essential message of Christ’s atoning sacrifice besides a passing mention in Similitude 5. It also, while not Gnostic, arguably presents a Christology that differs from that found in the Bible—although this is not entirely clear given the work is largely an allegory. It consists of five visions, twelve commands, and ten similitudes.
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