Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9 · Chapter 17

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.17.1 “Now, then, sir, disclose to me the things about the mountains. Why are their appearances different and varied?” He said, “Listen: these twelve mountains are the tribes that inhabit the whole world. The Son of God was proclaimed among them through the apostles.”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.17.2 “Disclose to me, sir, why the mountains are varied and different in appearance.” He said, “Listen: these twelve tribes that inhabit the whole world are twelve nations, varied in their disposition and understanding. As you saw the mountains varied, so too are the varieties of understanding and disposition among these nations. I shall also disclose to you the conduct of each one.”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.17.3 I said, “First disclose this, sir: why, although the mountains were so varied, did their stones become gleaming in one color when placed in the building, like the stones that had risen from the deep?”

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.17.4 He said, “Because all the nations dwelling under heaven, after hearing and believing, were called by the name of the Son of God. Having received the seal, they had one disposition and one understanding, and their faith became one and their love one. They bore the spirits of the virgins together with the name. For this reason the building of the tower became gleaming in one color, like the sun.

Greek (Lake printed edition)

Similitude 9.17.5 But after they had come together and become one body, some of them defiled themselves and were cast out from the race of the righteous. They became again what they had been before—or rather, even worse.”