The Shepherd of Hermas was read with serious attention in early Christianity, yet the Muratorian Fragment says it could not be read publicly to the people in church.
That formula records a distinction that modern talk of “included” and “excluded” can easily flatten. A work might be worthy of reading and instruction, yet not authorized for public proclamation among the writings assigned to prophets or apostles. The Shepherd’s long afterlife, visible in major manuscripts and in later catalogues, makes the distinction more important.
