Hermas

Hermas was a Christian of Rome, a former slave, who wrote the Shepherd, a long book of visions, commandments, and parables calling the church to repentance. He tells us he was sold as a child to a woman named Rhoda, later had a family and business, and lost his wealth. The Shepherd was one of the most widely read Christian books of the second and third centuries, and some churches read it almost as scripture.

Dates

fl. ca. 100–150 (approximate)

See or city

Rome

Region

Italy

Also known as

Hermas of Rome; The Shepherd of Hermas (author)

Notes

The Muratorian Fragment (late second century?) says the Shepherd was written “very recently, in our times, in the city of Rome” by Hermas, brother of Pius, bishop of Rome (ca. 140–155). Origen identified him with the Hermas greeted in Rom 16:14; modern scholars do not accept that identification.

Works

• Shepherd of Hermas: VisionsPastor Hermae, Visiones · ca. 100–150 · CPG 1052 (unverified)
• Shepherd of Hermas: MandatesPastor Hermae, Mandata · ca. 100–150 · CPG 1052 (unverified)
• Shepherd of Hermas: SimilitudesPastor Hermae, Similitudines · ca. 100–150 · CPG 1052 (unverified)