The Expository Times

The article introduces the reader to some preliminary questions concerning the Shepherd of Hermas, and to key topics of the work: the issue of repentance, its ecclesiology, and the life situation of a socially mixed community, experiencing, or threatened by, enmity from the outside world.

By both ancient and modern standards, the exemplary father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son is a foolish parent. Nonetheless his foolish actions reveal an economy of grace that opens the door to repentance and reconciliation, by forgiving debts and exercising unaccountable generosity.

According to Old Testament law (Lev 19:9-10; 23:22; Deut 24:19-22), harvest leftovers should be reserved for the poor. While gleaning is still practised in some countries, elsewhere it is unwelcome. Yet there are many hungry people today and an urgent need to make agricultural surpluses available to them.