The Virtue of Simplicity in The Shepherd of Hermas

The Shepherd of Hermas is an important second century writing about a Christian, in Rome, who experienced five visions, twelve mandates (or commandments), and ten parables. It is a very long book of 114 chapters dealing with the spirituality of the main character, Hermas. It was so popular among second and third century Christians that many thought it should be included as part of the New Testament canon. In the fifth vision an angel dressed like a shepherd appeared to Hermas and told him, “I was sent by the most holy angel to live with you the rest of the days of your life.” After Hermas asked him who he was, the angel said, “I am the shepherd to whom you were entrusted.”