Shepherd of Hermas — Vision 3 · Chapter 5
Vision 3.5.1
Greek
Vision 3.5.1 “Now hear about the stones going into the building. The square, white stones that fit harmoniously at their joints are the apostles, bishops, teachers, and deacons who walked according to God's holiness and served God's chosen ones as overseers, teachers, and ministers in purity and reverence. Some have fallen asleep, and others are still alive. They always agreed with one another, had peace among themselves, and listened to one another. For this reason their joints fit harmoniously in the building of the tower.”
Textual & reception notes
Vision 3.5.1 — Textual: The ministerial nouns and their corresponding actions remain visible; the passage includes both departed and living ministers joined by mutual peace. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Vision 3.5.2
Greek
Vision 3.5.2 “Who are those drawn from the deep and placed in the building, joining harmoniously with the other stones already built into it?” “These are those who suffered for the name of the Lord.”
Textual & reception notes
Vision 3.5.2 — Textual: The stones from the deep represent those who suffered for the Lord's name; this identification follows the vision's own explanation. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Vision 3.5.3
Greek
Vision 3.5.3 “Lady, I wish to know who the other stones are, those brought from the dry land.” She said, “Those going into the building without being hewn are people whom the Lord approved, because they walked in the Lord's uprightness and fulfilled His commandments.”
Textual & reception notes
Vision 3.5.3 — Textual: Unhewn acceptance signifies tested upright conduct and fulfillment of commandments, rather than the absence of any moral examination. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Vision 3.5.4
Greek
Vision 3.5.4 “And who are those brought and placed in the building?” “They are new in the faith and faithful. The angels admonish them to do good, because wickedness was found in them.”
Textual & reception notes
Vision 3.5.4 — Textual: Lake's affirmative finding of wickedness explains the angels' admonition to these new believers; the contrary reading is recorded without replacing the base. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Vision 3.5.5
Greek
Vision 3.5.5 “And who are those they rejected and cast aside?” “These are people who have sinned and wish to repent. For this reason they were not thrown far outside the tower, because they will be useful for the building if they repent. Those intending to repent, then, will become strong in faith if they repent—if they repent now, while the tower is being built. But if the building is completed, they no longer have a place and will be outcasts. Only this remains to them: to lie beside the tower.
Textual & reception notes
Vision 3.5.5 — Textual: Rejected stones kept nearby may yet become useful through present repentance; the completion of building closes that opportunity. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.