In the earliest days of Christianity, before the New Testament canon was solidified into the leather-bound Bibles we know today, there existed a text so popular that many Church Fathers considered it scripture. It was read in assemblies, quoted by bishops, and copied by scribes with the same reverence given to the Gospels. This text is The Shepherd of Hermas, and at its center stands a mysterious, authoritative figure known as the Angel of Repentance.

Today, the Shepherd of Hermas is largely forgotten by modern believers, relegated to the footnotes of history or the dusty shelves of academic libraries. However, for the first three centuries of the Church, the message of the Angel of Repentance was a lifeline. It addressed a terrifying question that haunted early Christians: “If baptism washes away all my sins, what happens if I sin again?”

As we delve into this ancient masterpiece, we will uncover the identity of this celestial Shepherd, explore his rigorous commands, and understand why this book—once a bestseller of antiquity—was eventually excluded from the Bible. Furthermore, we will see how the Angel of Repentance bridges the gap between the strict moralism of the early Jewish Christians and the developing theology of grace.

The Encounter: Meeting the Shepherd

The text opens not with the Shepherd, but with Hermas, a former slave living in Rome. Hermas is a relatable figure—he is pious but flawed, struggling with his family, his business, and his own wandering thoughts. After a series of visionary encounters with an elderly woman (representing the Church), Hermas is finally visited by the central character of the book.

“I was praying at home and sat down on my bed, and there entered a man of glorious aspect, dressed like a shepherd, with a white goat’s skin, a wallet on his shoulders, and a rod in his hand.” — The Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5

Initially, Hermas does not recognize him. However, the figure reveals his true nature: “I am the shepherd to whom you were handed over.” Crucially, this figure is not Jesus Christ. He is an angelic being of high rank, sent by the “most venerable angel” to dwell with Hermas and guide him for the rest of his life. He is explicitly identified as the Angel of Repentance.

Consequently, the role of the Angel of Repentance is distinct. He is a divine caseworker, assigned to monitor the moral progress of believers and to grant a specific, limited opportunity for repentance to those who have stumbled after baptism.

The Historical Context: A Crisis of Conscience

To understand the urgency of the Angel of Repentance, we must step into the shoes of a 2nd-century Christian. At this time, the Church was a marginalized minority in the Roman Empire. Conversion was a radical break from society. The theology of baptism was viewed as a total cleansing—a spiritual rebirth where the old self died.

Therefore, a severe theological anxiety emerged. If a Christian committed a serious sin (like adultery or apostasy) after baptism, was there any hope? Many believed the answer was no. They feared they had “crucified the Son of God all over again” (Hebrews 6:6).

Into this atmosphere of fear, the Shepherd of Hermas arrived like a balm. The Angel of Repentance brought a new revelation: God, in His mercy, was offering a “second chance.” Specifically, the text allows for one major repentance after baptism. This doctrine of “second repentance” was controversial but deeply necessary for a community striving for perfection in an imperfect world.

This struggle for moral purity connects deeply to other early texts. For a comparison of how early communities managed ethics, Understanding Early Christian Practices Through the Didache offers valuable insight into the rules of the first-century church.

The Structure of the Text: Visions, Mandates, and Similitudes

The book is divided into three sections, all guided or influenced by the Angel of Repentance.

1. The Visions: Apocalyptic scenes involving the Church appearing as a woman who ages backward (growing younger as the faithful repent).
2. The Mandates (Commandments): Twelve ethical instructions given directly by the Shepherd.
3. The Similitudes (Parables): Ten complex allegories explaining the operation of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom.

Throughout these sections, the Angel of Repentance acts as a teacher. He is stern, often rebuking Hermas for his doubts and double-mindedness. Yet, his presence is a sign of grace. He teaches that sadness and doubt are offenses against the Holy Spirit, urging a life of cheerful trust in God.

Moreover, the ethical system proposed by the Shepherd is rigorous. He emphasizes chastity, truthfulness, and singularity of heart. In this way, the text shares the wisdom tradition found in Book of Sirach Explained: Exploring the Wisdom of Ben Sira in the Apocrypha, where daily conduct is the measuring stick of spiritual reality.

The Tower and the Stones: An Ecclesiological Vision

One of the most famous images associated with the Angel of Repentance is the building of the Tower. In the vision, the Tower represents the Church. Angels are carrying stones from deep waters and mountains to build it.

Significantly, not every stone fits.

• Some stones are rejected because they are round (too focused on wealth).
• Some are cracked (holding grudges).
• Some are cast far away (apostates).

However, the Angel of Repentance reveals that the rejected stones are not destroyed immediately. They are placed aside to undergo “chiseling”—a metaphor for the painful process of repentance. If they can be reshaped, they may still find a place in the Tower before the construction is finished.

This allegory highlights the function of the Angel of Repentance not just for the individual, but for the corporate body. He is the master mason’s assistant, ensuring that the structure of the Church remains pure while offering mercy to the imperfect materials. This focus on the health of the community echoes the warnings found in Seven Churches of Revelation: Decoding the Messages to Ephesus, Smyrna, and Beyond.

Who Is the Shepherd Theologically?

For centuries, scholars have debated the exact ontological status of the Angel of Repentance. Is he a literary device? An archangel? A manifestation of the Holy Spirit?

Unlike the canonical Gospels where Jesus is the Good Shepherd, here the Shepherd is clearly subordinate to the “Son of God.” In fact, the Christology of Hermas is peculiar. The “Son of God” is portrayed as the Holy Spirit who inhabited the flesh of a man, and because that flesh cooperated perfectly with the Spirit, it was elevated to divine status.

This “Spirit Christology” often confuses modern readers accustomed to the Nicene Creed. However, it reflects a time when Christian theology was still in flux. The Angel of Repentance seems to be a high-ranking angel—perhaps Michael, or a unique being created for this specific ministry of mercy.

Furthermore, the text lacks the Gnostic elements found in other non-canonical works. The Shepherd does not bring secret knowledge to liberate the soul from the body; he brings moral instruction to sanctify the body. For a contrast in how Jesus figures were portrayed, Gnostic Jesus vs Canonical Jesus: How the Secret Gospels Portray Christ highlights the difference between moral instruction and esoteric enlightenment.

Why Was It Excluded from the Bible?

Given its immense popularity—Irenaeus quoted it as scripture, and it is included in the Codex Sinaiticus (one of the oldest Bibles)—why isn’t the Shepherd of Hermas in our New Testament?

1. Late Authorship: The Muratorian Canon (c. 170 CE) states that the book was written “very recently” by Hermas, the brother of Pope Pius I. Therefore, it lacked the apostolic connection required for canonization. It was separated by a generation from the apostles.

2. Theological Divergence: As orthodoxy crystallized, the “adoptionist” tendencies of Hermas’s Christology (Jesus becoming the Son rather than being eternally the Son) became problematic.

3. The End of Prophecy: The book claims to be a new revelation. The Church eventually decided that the era of public revelation closed with the apostles. Accepting the Angel of Repentance as a new source of binding command was a bridge too far.

Nevertheless, it remained highly recommended reading for catechumens (new converts) for centuries, occupying a space similar to The Apocrypha in other traditions.

Why the Angel of Repentance Matters Today

Why should a modern believer engage with this ancient text? Because the Angel of Repentance addresses the perennial problem of “cheap grace.”

1. The Seriousness of Sin In a modern context where sin is often downplayed, the Shepherd reminds us that our actions grieve the Holy Spirit. The Angel of Repentance takes holiness seriously.

2. The Hope of Restoration Conversely, for those paralyzed by guilt, the text offers profound hope. It assures us that God is not looking for reasons to discard us. He has appointed a Shepherd to help chisel off our rough edges so we can fit into His building.

3. The Danger of Double-Mindedness The Shepherd’s constant warning against dipsychia (double-mindedness) is timeless. He calls for a singular focus on God, warning that anxiety and doubt divide the soul and render it useless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shepherd of Hermas Gnostic? No. While it contains visions and allegories, it does not share the Gnostic worldview. It affirms the Creator God, the goodness of the material world, and the necessity of moral works. It is ethically rigorous, not intellectually elitist.

Who was Hermas? Hermas describes himself as a former slave. Tradition identifies him as either the Hermas mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:14 or the brother of Pius I (Bishop of Rome c. 140-155 CE). Regardless, he represents the voice of the ordinary Roman Christian.

What is the “Second Repentance”? It is the central doctrine of the book. The Angel of Repentance reveals that while baptism is the primary forgiveness, God allows one subsequent opportunity for major repentance for believers who fall. This was intended to prevent spiritual laxity while avoiding despair.

Can I read the text online? Yes. The Shepherd of Hermas is widely available in translation. You can find it on reputable sites like Early Christian Writings or New Advent.

Conclusion: The Shepherd’s Rod

The Angel of Repentance may not be a figure in our modern Bibles, but his shadow looms large over the history of the faith. He represents a Church grappling with the messy reality of human failure and the overwhelming magnitude of divine mercy.

Ultimately, the Shepherd of Hermas is a call to integrity. It asks us to look at the “stones” of our lives—our habits, our relationships, our business dealings—and ask if they fit into the Tower of God. If not, the Angel of Repentance stands ready, not to condemn, but to guide us through the painful but necessary work of being reshaped.

As we reflect on this ancient guide, we are reminded that repentance is not a one-time event at an altar; it is a lifestyle, a daily walk with the Shepherd who desires to see us completed in the end.

Check out the author’s book here: The Apocrypha.