LUX VERITAS

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Apocrypha · Chapter 20 of 114

The Shepherd of Hermas 20

Visions and Mandates

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“Now in the second vision you saw her standing with a youthful countenance, and more joyful than before; still she had the skin and hair of an aged woman. Hear,” said he, “this parable also. When one becomes somewhat old, he despairs of himself on account of his weakness and poverty, and looks forward to nothing but the last day of his life. Then suddenly an inheritance is left him; and hearing of this, he rises up, and becoming exceeding joyful, he puts on strength.

2And now he no longer reclines, but stands up; and his spirit, already destroyed by his previous actions, is renewed, and he no longer sits, but acts with vigour. So happened it with you on hearing the revelation which God gave you. For the Lord had compassion on you, and renewed your spirit, and ye laid aside your infirmities. Vigour arose within you, and ye grew strong in faith; and the Lord seeing your strength, rejoiced.

3On this account He showed you the building of the tower; and He will show you other things, if you continue at peace with each other with all your heart.”

Words in this chapter

What these words meant in the original — and where else they appear.

About The Shepherd of Hermas

Visions, commandments and parables received by a former slave in Rome, debating whether there is a second chance after grave sin. It was read as Scripture in several ancient churches. English text: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2, Shepherd of Hermas, F. Crombie, 1885 (public domain). Portuguese and Spanish: Lux Veritas translations from this edition.

Source: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2, Shepherd of Hermas, F. Crombie (1885) · public domain