Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"

Assemblies of God does not include the Shepherd of Hermas in the biblical canon. While acknowledging this as an early Christian document (possibly 2nd century), the AG maintains the Protestant distinction between canonical Scripture and patristic or post-apostolic writings. The Shepherd of Hermas, though esteemed by some early church fathers, never achieved universal recognition as canon and is not part of the 66-book Protestant canon that the AG affirms.

The AG's Statement of Fundamental Truths establishes the boundaries of Scripture as the 66 books of the Hebrew and Greek Testaments. Post-apostolic writings, including the Shepherd of Hermas, may be valued for historical and spiritual edification but carry no binding authority for doctrine or practice. The AG's position protects the sufficiency and authority of Scripture by excluding later additions and documents of uncertain apostolic origin.

This reflects the AG's commitment to sola scriptura ('Scripture alone') — the principle that Scripture is the ultimate and complete authority for Christian belief and practice. Writings subsequent to the apostolic era, regardless of their spiritual value or historical significance, are not granted scriptural authority.