Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"

Reformed theology classifies the Shepherd of Hermas as apocryphal—an early Christian writing valued for historical insight but not considered Scripture. The Westminster standards affirm that only the 66 canonical books carry divine authority. While the Shepherd provides important context for understanding post-apostolic Christianity, it was never universally received as authoritative and lacks the marks of apostolic authorship and authority.

Calvin and Reformed commentators recognized the Shepherd as a secondary text: edifying for some purposes but not as foundation for doctrine. Reformed epistemology maintains strict boundaries around the canon: the apostolic writings constitute Scripture; later Christian writings, however respected, are secondary sources. The principle of sola scriptura excludes the Shepherd from doctrinal authority.