The Shepherd of Hermas, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 26 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Hermas sees Rhoda in heaven and learns that an evil desire counts as sin, even without an outward act. An aged woman then identifies his failure to correct his family as the cause of God's anger, urges discipline and repentance, and reads promises for the faithful.
What happens
- Hermas helps Rhoda from the Tiber and privately wishes for a wife like her.
- On his journey to Cumae, Hermas falls asleep, and a Spirit carries him through difficult wilderness to a place of prayer.
- Rhoda appears in heaven, condemns his inward desire, and urges prayer for forgiveness.
- An aged woman tells the distressed Hermas that God is angry because he neglects to correct his corrupt household.
- She urges daily correction of his children and reads from a book, whose closing promises Hermas remembers.
- Four young men remove her chair, and two men escort her eastward as she encourages Hermas.
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In this chapter
The key line
“For the servants of God, such an intention is sin.”The aged woman
The line confirms that inward intention carries moral responsibility. Her next instruction adds Hermas's neglected duty toward his family.
Quick check
According to the aged woman, why is God angry with Hermas?
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