Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"

Whether the Shepherd of Hermas, an early Christian text widely read in the first centuries, holds canonical, semi-canonical, or no scriptural authority.

Overall consensus85/100

Reformed Baptist Churches (1689 London Baptist Confession)

Reformed Baptist Churches (1689 London Baptist Confession)

Evangelical

Denies

Shepherd of Hermas non-canonical; lacks apostolic authority

Reformed Baptists explicitly deny canonicity of Shepherd of Hermas. While 2nd-century text is historically significant it lacks apostolic authority. 1689 Confession affirms biblical canon was completed with apostolic writings.\n\nNo later writings however venerable can be added to canon. Shepherd is non-inspired non-canonical document. Reformed Baptists may study as early Christian literature but do not treat as authoritative.

Scripture References

Sources

  • 1689 London Baptist Confession Chapter 1
  • Eusebius Ecclesiastical History