Hermas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Hermas in the Bible?
Hermas is identified in the New Testament as a brother of the Apostle Paul's contemporary, likely a Roman Christian to whom Paul sent greetings in Romans 16:14. He is traditionally, though not definitively, credited with authoring The Shepherd (or The Pastor of Hermas), a significant early Christian text from the second century.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Hermas helps readers contextualize the diversity of early Christian literature and the development of theological concepts regarding repentance and church discipline in the post-apostolic era.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hermas reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hermas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hermas clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Romans 16:14
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hermas." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hermas/