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Did You Know... What Is a Latin Apocryphal Infancy Gospel?
A Latin Apocryphal Infancy Gospel is an early Christian writing, usually written in or translated into Latin, that tells stories about:
- the birth of Jesus,
- the childhood of Jesus,
- or the early life of Mary.
These writings are called:
- “Apocryphal” because they were not included in the Bible canon
- “Infancy Gospels” because they focus on Jesus’ infancy and childhood years
Most of these writings appeared between approximately AD 150 and AD 800.
Why Were These Books Written?
The New Testament gives very little information about:
- Jesus’ childhood
- Mary’s upbringing
- Joseph’s life
- the years between Jesus’ birth and adulthood
Because of this, some early Christians became curious and began writing stories to fill in those “silent years.”
These writings attempted to answer questions such as:
- What was Jesus like as a child?
- Who were Mary’s parents?
- What miracles happened during Jesus’ youth?
Examples of Latin Apocryphal Infancy Gospels
1. Protoevangelium of James
(Originally Greek)
Date:
Around AD 145–170
This is one of the earliest infancy gospels.
It focuses mainly on:
- Mary’s birth
- Joachim and Anne
- Mary’s childhood
- the virgin birth of Jesus
Later Latin versions spread widely through Europe.
2. Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew
Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew
Date:
Approximately AD 600–800
Language:
Latin
This book expanded on earlier traditions from the Protoevangelium of James.
It contains stories about:
- Mary’s childhood
- Joseph
- Jesus’ birth
- the family fleeing into Egypt
Some medieval Christian traditions about Mary and Joseph came from this text.
3. Infancy Gospel of Thomas
Infancy Gospel of Thomas
Date:
Around AD 150–200
This writing tells legendary stories about Jesus as a child performing miracles.
Some stories portray Jesus:
- shaping birds from clay
- healing people
- displaying supernatural power as a child
Many church leaders rejected these stories because they often conflicted with the character and tone of the canonical Gospels.
Why Were These Gospels Not Included in the Bible?
The early church rejected these writings for several reasons:
1. They Were Written Too Late
Most infancy gospels appeared:
- more than 100 years after Jesus
- after the apostles had died
2. They Were Not Apostolic
The church believed authoritative Scripture needed direct apostolic connection.
Many of these books falsely used names like:
- Matthew
- Thomas
- James
even though scholars agree they were written later by unknown authors.
3. Legendary and Embellished Stories
Many infancy gospels contain:
- exaggerated miracles
- legendary details
- symbolic stories
that are not found in the Bible.
The early church considered many of these accounts devotional fiction rather than inspired Scripture.
Did These Books Influence Christianity?
Yes — especially during the Middle Ages.
Many traditions people know today about:
- Mary’s parents Joachim and Anne
- the ox and donkey near Jesus’ manger
- details about Jesus’ childhood
came from these apocryphal infancy writings rather than directly from the Bible.
These books influenced:
- Christian art
- paintings
- church traditions
- medieval storytelling
Important Biblical Reminder
The canonical Gospels focus primarily on:
- Jesus’ mission
- His teachings
- His death and resurrection
- salvation
The Bible gives only one brief glimpse of Jesus’ youth:
Scripture
Luke 2:52 (KJV)
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
Key Takeaway
A Latin Apocryphal Infancy Gospel is:
an early Christian writing
focused on Jesus’ or Mary’s childhood
written outside the Bible canon
influential in church tradition and art
But:
These writings are not considered inspired Scripture by most Christian traditions.