Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9, Chapter 14
The Name That Upholds the Whole World
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Similitude 9.14.1I said, “What, then, sir, if these people, being as they are, repent and cast off their desires for these women, return to the virgins, and walk in their power and their works? Will they not enter God’s house?”
Similitude 9.14.2He said, “They will enter, if they cast off these women’s works, take up the virgins’ power, and walk in their works. For this very reason there was a pause in the building, so that, if these people repent, they may go into the building of the tower. But if they do not repent, others will enter, and these will be cast out completely.”
Similitude 9.14.3For all these things I gave thanks to the Lord, because He had compassion on all who call upon His name and sent out the angel of repentance to us who had sinned against Him. He renewed our spirit, and when we were already ruined and had no hope of living, He made our life new again.
Similitude 9.14.4I said, “Now, sir, disclose to me why the tower is not built on the ground, but upon the rock and the gateway.” He said, “Are you still foolish and without understanding?” I said, “Sir, I must ask you about everything, because I can understand absolutely nothing. For everything is great and glorious and difficult for human beings to understand.”
Similitude 9.14.5He said, “Listen: the name of the Son of God is great and cannot be contained, and it supports the whole world. If, then, all creation is supported through the Son of God, what do you think of those called by Him who bear the name of the Son of God and walk in His commandments?
Similitude 9.14.6Do you see, then, whom He supports? Those who bear His name with their whole heart. He has therefore become their foundation and gladly supports them, because they are not ashamed to bear His name.”
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.