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The Shepherd of Hermas

Hermas · c. 140 AD

2h 28m read
Apostolic

An apocalyptic text of visions, commandments, and parables, once considered for inclusion in the New Testament canon.

Table of Contents

1Vision First. Against Filthy and Proud Thoughts, and the Carelessness of Hermas in Chastising His Sons2Vision Second. Again, of His Neglect in Chastising His Talkative Wife and His Lustful Sons, and of His Character3Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church, and the Various Classes of Reprobate Men4Vision Fourth. Concerning the Trial and Tribulation that are to Come Upon Men5Vision Fifth. Concerning the Commandments6Commandment First. On Faith in God7Commandment Second. On Avoiding Evil-Speaking, and on Giving Alms in Simplicity8Commandment Third. On Avoiding Falsehood, and on the Repentance of Hermas for His Dissimulation9Commandment Fourth. On Putting One’s Wife Away for Adultery10Commandment Fifth. Of Sadness of Heart, and of Patience11Commandment Sixth. How to Recognise the Two Spirits Attendant on Each Man, and How to Distinguish the Suggestions of the One from Those of the Other12Commandment Seventh. On Fearing God, and Not Fearing the Devil13Commandment Eighth. We Ought to Shun that Which is Evil, and Do that Which is Good14Commandment Ninth. Prayer Must Be Made to God Without Ceasing, and with Unwavering Confidence15Commandment Tenth. Of Grief, and Not Grieving the Spirit of God Which is in Us16Commandment Eleventh. The Spirit and Prophets to Be Tried by Their Works; Also of the Two Kinds of Spirit17Commandment Twelfth. On the Twofold Desire. The Commandments of God Can Be Kept, and Believers Ought Not to Fear the Devil18Similitude First. As in This World We Have No Abiding City, We Ought to Seek One to Come19Similitude Second. As the Vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by the Prayer of the Poor20Similitude Third. As in Winter Green Trees Cannot Be Distinguished from Withered, So in This World Neither Can the Just from the Unjust21Similitude Fourth. As in Summer Living Trees are Distinguished from Withered by Fruit and Living Leaves, So in the World to Come the Just Differ from the Unjust in Happiness22Similitude Fifth. Of True Fasting and Its Reward: Also of Purity of Body23Similitude Sixth. Of the Two Classes of Voluptuous Men, and of Their Death, Falling Away, and the Duration of Their Punishment24Similitude Seventh. They Who Repent Must Bring Forth Fruits Worthy of Repentance25Similitude Eighth. The Sins of the Elect and of the Penitent are of Many Kinds, But All Will Be Rewarded According to the Measure of Their Repentance and Good Works26Similitude Ninth. The Great Mysteries in the Building of the Militant and Triumphant Church27Similitude Tenth. Concerning Repentance and Alms-Giving