Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"

Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept the Shepherd of Hermas as part of the biblical canon. While it is a valuable early Christian document offering insights into 2nd-century church life, it lacks the apostolic authority and divine inspiration characteristic of Scripture. The work was never universally accepted in the church and was rightly excluded from the canon.

Witnesses maintain a clear distinction between Scripture (the 66-book canon) and other Christian writings. The Shepherd of Hermas may be studied for historical interest but carries no binding authority for doctrine or practice. Only the canonical Scripture, rightly interpreted, is normative for Witnesses' faith and theology. The recognition of apostolic authority and divine inspiration is the criterion for canonicity.