is Rhoda in another form.4 The book in her hand contains the content of the coming revelation. The combination of shining garments, chair, and book evokes magical texts.5 This first time she sits down alone while he remains standing, an indicator of their different status; later (Vis. 3.1.7) she will compel Hermas to sit beside her. ■ 2.3–4 The rather familiar greeting of a very disturbed recipient of revelation is not without precedent in apocalyptic literature (4 Ezra 5.16*; Rev 1:17*).