Hermas Ἑρμᾶς
A Christian in Rome greeted by Paul.
Who is Hermas in the Bible?
Hermas was a Christian living in Rome during the apostle Paul's ministry, mentioned by name in Romans 16:14 as one of several believers who received Paul's greetings in his letter to the Romans. Beyond this brief mention alongside fellow Christians such as Asyncritus and Phlegon, the New Testament provides no further details about his background, conversion, or role in the church community. Some early Christian scholars, including Origen, have speculated that this Hermas may be identical to the author of "The Shepherd of Hermas," an influential second-century Christian work, but this identification remains uncertain and lacks sufficient historical evidence. The significance of Hermas lies primarily in his representation of the early Roman Christian community and Paul's network of believers in that important apostolic center.
Biography
Hermas is mentioned in the Bible as one of the Christians in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings in his letter to the Romans. He is listed along with several other believers, including Asyncritus, Phlegon, and Hermes (Rom.16.14). The fact that Paul specifically mentions Hermas in his greetings suggests that he was a notable member of the Roman Christian community. However, no further information is provided about Hermas' background, conversion, or role in the church. Some scholars have suggested that this Hermas may be the same person as the author of the early Christian work "The Shepherd of Hermas," but this identification is uncertain and not universally accepted. (Rom.16.14).
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentRomans 1 verse
- Romans 16:14
"Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them."
Study Romans →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἑρμᾶς |
| (same ref[s] as previous) | Greek | Ἑρμῆς |
Hermas
). Origen and some later writers have identified him with the author of The Pastor of Hermas, but without sufficient reason. According to the Canon of Muratori, the author of The Pastor wrote when his brother Pius was bishop of Rome (140-55 AD). He speaks of himself, however, as a contemporary of Clement of Rome (chapter 4) (circa 100 AD). The name Hermas is very common, and Origen's identification is purely conjectural.
S. F. Hunter
hur-me-nu'-tiks.
See INTERPRETATION.
hur'-mez (Hermes): In the Revised Version margin of <ref osisRef="Bible:Acts.14.12