The Shepherd of Hermas

Because of this presumption of theirs understanding has departed from them, and senseless folly has entered into them, and they praise themselves for having understanding and they wish to be teachers[*](ἐθελοδιδάσκαλοι is not found elsewhere. If it be right it must mean a teacher who unduly magnifies his office. Cf. ἐθελοθπησκεία in Col. 2, 23.) in spite of their folly.

For this high-mindedness therefore many have been made worthless by exalting themselves,[*](There may be here a reference to Philipp. 2, 9 in which κένωσις and ὕψωσις are contrasted: the point being that as the κένωσις of Christ led to his ὕψωσις, so the ὕψωσις of these men results in their ultimate κένωσις.) for presumption and vain confidence is a great demon. Many therefore of these were rejected, but some repented and believed, and submitted themselves to those who have understanding, recognising their own folly.

And for the rest of such men repentance is waiting, for they were not wicked, but rather foolish and without understanding. If therefore these repent they will live to God, but if they do not repent they will dwell with the women who devise evil against them.

And those of the sixth mountain which has[*](The sixth mountain) cracks, great and small, and withered plants in the cracks, are such believers as these.