Greek · Pastor Hermae · Poimen
A long apocalypse of visions, commandments (mandates) and parables (similitudes) revealed to a Roman freedman named Hermas, centred on repentance after baptism. It was one of the most widely read Christian books of the second and third centuries.
Datingdisputed
Probably composed in stages. The Muratorian fragment says Hermas wrote 'very recently, in our own times' while his brother Pius was bishop of Rome (c. 140-154); the mention of a Clement (Vis. 2.4.3) could point to c. 100. Most scholars accept composition across c. 100-150 (Osiek).Books it uses
Divorce teaching (Matt 19:9); 'hard for the rich to enter the kingdom' (Matt 19:23). Hermas contains no explicit NT quotation; Verheyden finds no demonstrable use of any NT writing.
Parallels shared with Mark 10 (divorce; riches). Hermas contains no explicit NT quotation; Verheyden finds no demonstrable use of any NT writing.
Remarriage after a spouse's death permitted but continence better (1 Cor 7:39–40). Hermas contains no explicit NT quotation; Verheyden finds no demonstrable use of any NT writing.
'Grieve the Holy Spirit' and 'one body, one spirit' language (Eph 4:4, 4:30). Hermas contains no explicit NT quotation; Verheyden finds no demonstrable use of any NT writing.
Repentance after baptism limited (Heb 6:4–6), though Hermas allows one repentance. Hermas contains no explicit NT quotation; Verheyden finds no demonstrable use of any NT writing.
Double-mindedness and asking without doubting (Jas 1:5–8); strongest candidate, but Oxford itself allowed a common source (Eldad and Modat). Hermas contains no explicit NT quotation; Verheyden finds no demonstrable use of any NT writing.
Quotations
But if you doubt in your heart, you will receive none of your requests. For those who doubt regarding God are double-souled, and obtain not one of their requests. But those who are perfect in faith ask everything, trusting in the Lord; and they obtain, because they ask nothing doubting, and not being double-souled. For every double-souled man, even if he repent, will with difficulty be saved.
Herm. Mand. 9.1–6Allusion
ANF vol. 2 (1885), ed. Roberts & Donaldson, American ed. A. C. Coxe · Source (opens in a new tab)
'Double-souled' (dipsychos) asking without doubting closely parallels James 1:5–8; Hermas never quotes any NT text explicitly, so all links are allusions.
James 1:5–8 BSB
5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The husband should put her away, and remain by himself. But if he put his wife away and marry another, he also commits adultery.
Herm. Mand. 4.1.6Allusion
ANF vol. 2 (1885), ed. Roberts & Donaldson, American ed. A. C. Coxe · Source (opens in a new tab)
Teaching on divorce reflects the synoptic saying; no verbal quotation.
Matthew 19:9 BSB
9Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Mark 10:11 BSB
11So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.