Shepherd of Hermas

This was the most popular non-canonical writing before the fourth century C.E. That it later became unknown in the East while continuing popular in the West through the Middle Ages, and that it is relatively unknown today in either East or West, reflect differing needs in differing times.

The writing is divided into three sections, namely: five visions, twelve mandates, and ten similitudes. The origin of the writing is central Italy. There are questions as to the date and the author(s).