# The Shepherd of Hermas

> Christian literary work of the 1st or 2nd century

**Wikidata**: [Q898808](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q898808)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shepherd_of_Hermas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-shepherd-of-hermas

## Summary
The Shepherd of Hermas is a Christian literary work from the 1st or 2nd century, attributed to the Roman freedman and writer Hermas. It is considered part of the New Testament apocrypha and was widely read in early Christianity, though not included in the biblical canon.

## Key Facts
- The Shepherd of Hermas is a Christian literary work written in the 1st or 2nd century CE.
- It is attributed to Hermas, a 2nd-century Roman freedman and writer.
- The work is classified as part of the New Testament apocrypha.
- It is known by multiple titles, including "The Pastor of Hermas," "Pastor of Hermas," and "The Shepherd."
- The original Greek title is "Ποιμὴν τοῦ Ἑρμᾶ."
- It has a sitelink count of 39 across Wikipedia language editions.
- The work is identified in Wikidata with the description "Christian literary work of the 1st or 2nd century."
- It is linked to the topic ID "Shepherd-of-Hermas" in the Oxford Classical Dictionary.
- The work is associated with the identifier "hermas-the-shepherd-of" in the Library of Congress Name Authority File.
- It is cataloged under the identifier "le-pasteur-d-hermas" in the French National Library.
- The work is referenced in the scriptures namespace as "Shepherd_of_Hermas."
- It is assigned the identifier "11734" in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
- The work is linked to the identifier "825AD96DD9154C79946B810B9C5A5EF6" in the Digital Library of Classic Protestant Texts.
- It is cataloged under the identifier "1052" in the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae.
- The work is associated with the identifier "ncf11943546" in the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- It is referenced in the Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Studies with the identifier "9780195393361-0230."
- The work is cataloged under the identifier "H0011810" in the HathiTrust Digital Library.
- It is assigned the identifier "4226498-4" in the International Standard Name Identifier database.
- The work is linked to the identifier "11416" in the Perseus Digital Library.
- It is cataloged under the identifier "pta0038.pta001" in the Papyrological Navigator.
- The work is classified as both a Q7725634 (literary work) and Q6718887 (apocryphal text) in Wikidata.

## FAQs
**What is The Shepherd of Hermas and who wrote it?**
The Shepherd of Hermas is a Christian literary work from the 1st or 2nd century, attributed to Hermas, a Roman freedman and writer. It was widely read in early Christianity but was not included in the biblical canon.

**Why is The Shepherd of Hermas considered part of the New Testament apocrypha?**
The Shepherd of Hermas is classified as part of the New Testament apocrypha because it was written by early Christians but was not included in the final biblical canon. It was, however, highly regarded and widely read in early Christian communities.

**What are the different titles and translations of The Shepherd of Hermas?**
The work is known by several titles, including "The Shepherd of Hermas," "The Pastor of Hermas," "Pastor of Hermas," and "The Shepherd." Its original Greek title is "Ποιμὴν τοῦ Ἑρμᾶ."

**How is The Shepherd of Hermas preserved and referenced in modern databases?**
The Shepherd of Hermas is cataloged in numerous digital libraries and databases, including the Library of Congress, Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, HathiTrust, and the Perseus Digital Library, with unique identifiers assigned to each entry.

**What is the historical significance of The Shepherd of Hermas in early Christianity?**
The Shepherd of Hermas was one of the most popular Christian writings in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, often read alongside scripture in early Christian communities. Its exclusion from the biblical canon reflects the complex process of canonization in early Christianity.

## Why It Matters
The Shepherd of Hermas holds significant historical and theological importance as one of the most widely read Christian texts in the early centuries of the faith. Though not included in the biblical canon, it provides valuable insight into early Christian thought, ethics, and eschatology. The work's popularity and influence in early Christian communities demonstrate the diversity of Christian literature and the complex process of canonization. Its preservation in numerous digital libraries and databases ensures continued scholarly access and study, making it a crucial resource for understanding the development of Christian doctrine and practice in the post-apostolic era.

## Notable For
- Being one of the most widely read Christian texts in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
- Providing insight into early Christian ethics, eschatology, and community life.
- Being excluded from the biblical canon despite its popularity in early Christianity.
- Having multiple titles and translations across different languages and traditions.
- Being preserved and referenced in numerous digital libraries and academic databases.
- Offering a unique perspective on the diversity of early Christian literature.
- Being attributed to Hermas, a Roman freedman, reflecting the social diversity of early Christianity.
- Demonstrating the complex process of biblical canonization in early Christian history.

## Body
### Historical Context and Authorship
The Shepherd of Hermas is a Christian literary work from the 1st or 2nd century CE, attributed to Hermas, a Roman freedman and writer. Hermas is identified in historical sources as a 2nd-century figure, and the work is considered part of the broader tradition of early Christian literature. The text reflects the theological and ethical concerns of early Christian communities, particularly in Rome, and was widely read alongside canonical scriptures.

### Classification and Literary Significance
The Shepherd of Hermas is classified as part of the New Testament apocrypha, a category of early Christian writings that were not included in the final biblical canon. Despite this, the work was highly regarded and frequently cited by early Church Fathers such as Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria. Its inclusion in this category highlights the diversity of early Christian literature and the complex process of canonization that shaped the New Testament.

### Structure and Content
The Shepherd of Hermas is structured as a series of visions, parables, and commandments, presented as revelations given to Hermas by an angelic figure. The text addresses themes such as repentance, forgiveness, and the importance of living a righteous life. Its practical ethical teachings and vivid apocalyptic imagery made it accessible and influential among early Christian readers.

### Preservation and Modern Scholarship
The Shepherd of Hermas has been preserved in numerous manuscripts and translations, ensuring its survival and continued study. It is cataloged in major digital libraries and academic databases, including the Library of Congress, Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, HathiTrust, and the Perseus Digital Library. Each entry is assigned unique identifiers, facilitating scholarly access and cross-referencing. The work's preservation in these repositories underscores its enduring significance for the study of early Christianity.

### Influence and Reception
The Shepherd of Hermas was one of the most popular Christian texts in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, often read in early Christian communities alongside canonical scriptures. Its influence extended beyond its initial readership, shaping early Christian thought and practice. The work's exclusion from the biblical canon reflects the evolving criteria for scriptural authority in early Christianity, but its continued study highlights its importance for understanding the diversity and development of early Christian literature.

### Theological and Ethical Themes
The Shepherd of Hermas addresses key theological and ethical themes relevant to early Christian communities, including the nature of repentance, the possibility of forgiveness after baptism, and the importance of living a life of virtue. Its practical guidance on Christian living and its vivid apocalyptic visions resonated with early readers, contributing to its widespread popularity and influence.

### Legacy and Modern Relevance
The Shepherd of Hermas remains a significant text for scholars of early Christianity, offering insights into the theological, ethical, and social concerns of the early Church. Its preservation and continued study in modern academic contexts ensure that it remains a valuable resource for understanding the development of Christian doctrine and practice. The work's accessibility and practical focus continue to make it relevant for contemporary readers interested in early Christian spirituality and ethics.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File