The Shepherd of Hermas

Listen, said he: The Son of God is not[*](The son of God as servant) given the form of a servant., but is given great power and lordship. How, sir? said I, I do not understand.

Because God planted the vineyard, said he, that is, created the people, and gave it over to his Son. And the Son appointed the angels over them to keep them. And he himself cleansed their sins, labouring much and undergoing much toil. For no vineyard can be dug without toil or labour.

When, therefore, he had cleansed the sins of the people, he showed them the ways of life, and gave them the law which he received from his Father.

But listen why the Lord took his Son and the glorious angels as counsellors concerning the heritage of the servant.

The Holy Spirit which pre-exists, which created all creation, did God make to dwell in the flesh which he willed. Therefore this flesh, in which the Holy Spirit dwelled, served the Spirit well, walking in holiness and purity, and did not in any way defile the spirit.