INFANCY GOSPEL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "infancy gospel" refers to a genre of ancient Christian literature that aims to provide an account of the early childhood of Jesus Christ. It typically narrates episodes from the life of Jesus before the age of twelve, which are not included in the canonical Gospels of the New Testament.
Infancy gospels emerged in the second century and are often attributed to different apostles or disciples of Jesus, such as Thomas, James, or Peter. However, their actual authorship is debated among scholars, and they are generally considered non-canonical and apocryphal.
These texts present imaginative and mythological narratives that expand on Jesus' infancy and childhood, often infusing them with supernatural elements and miracles. They narrate stories of Jesus displaying extraordinary powers, such as healing the sick, turning clay birds into real birds, or bringing back to life those who had died.
Infancy gospels serve multiple purposes within early Christian communities. They seek to satisfy human curiosity about Jesus' early life, fill in the gaps in the canonical Gospels, and provide moral and spiritual instruction to the faithful. They often convey teachings about virtue, humility, and obedience through the young Jesus' actions.
While infancy gospels are not considered authoritative or reliable sources for understanding the historical Jesus, they offer valuable insights into the religious imagination and piety of early Christians, as well as the cultural context in which they emerged.
Etymology of INFANCY GOSPEL
The word "infancy gospel" is typically used in reference to a genre of apocryphal gospels that focus on the childhood of Jesus, also known as infancy narratives. These texts are not considered part of the canonical New Testament, but they provide additional stories and details about Jesus' pre-adult years. The etymology of the term can be understood by breaking it down as follows:
1. Infancy: The word "infancy" originates from the Latin word "infantia", which means "early childhood" or "babyhood". It comes from the combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "not" or "without") and "fari" (meaning "to speak"), signifying the time when a child cannot yet speak or has limited speaking abilities.
