CHAPTER IV. —THE APOSTOLIC FATHERS
Section 2.—Hermas.
CHAPTER IV. —THE APOSTOLIC FATHERS
Section 2.—Hermas.
of what has now been said about the Epistle of Barnabas applies also
in substance to the work which has been called the Shepherd of Hermas. It is
utterly unworthy of being ascribed, as it has often been, to the Hermas who is
mentioned in Paul’s epistles, or to any man who was a companion of the
apostles, although, from the references made to it, not only by Clemens
Alexandrinus, and Origen, but also by Irenaeus, who lived before them, it must
have been written before the middle of the second century, and, what is rather
strange, was sometimes read in the churches. It contains nothing of any value,
either historically or theologically, except that one or two extracts have
been produced from it in support of the divinity of our Saviour. There is one
passage in it which has been adduced by Blondell as a testimony in favor of
Presbyterianism, and by Hammond in favor of Prelacy; while it is very plain, I
think, that Hermas’ words really give no support to either side,[1]
and that both these eminent men, in attempting to derive from it
some support to their opposite views, on the subject of church government,
were unduly influenced by a spirit of partisanship.
ENDNOTES:
[1] Blondelli, Apol., p. 17; Hammond, Diasert., p. 284.
