
The various versions of the Infancy Gospels illustrate how stories about the Virgin and Child lend themselves to be told and retold - much like the stories in the canonical Gospels. This first translation of the full text of the Armenian Gospel of the Infancy, itself derived from a sixth-century Syriac text that no longer exists, provides two variants of the famous narrative and several recensions or ancient editions. Stories about Jesus, many of them unique to this gospel, are included to show how he exercised his sovereign and divine will even as a child. This edition also contains three early Armenian versions of the Protevangelium of James, which with other ancient sources dependent on it (like the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew) constitute the basic tradition in the formation of the later Infancy Gospels. These writings are our earliest sources about the parents of the Virgin Mary (Joachim and Anne) and her miraculous birth. They also form the basis for the dogma of her Immaculate Conception and perpetual virginity after the birth of Jesus, and lay the ground for certain of the Marian feasts celebrated since the fourth century. Terian's engaging introduction and annotation of the texts place this rare document clearly in its cultural and historical context and provide extensive references to the surrounding textual tradition. These extraordinary stories will appeal to all with an interest in the early church.
This volume investigates the historical and theological significance of the Armenian Gospel of the Infancy and its relationship to the broader tradition of infancy gospels. Abraham Terian, a scholar of early Christian texts, provides a critical translation and analysis of these rare manuscripts. By examining the Armenian text alongside the Protevangelium of James, the author argues that these writings were foundational in shaping early Marian dogma and the development of infancy narratives within the church.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and students of early Christianity frequently cite this work as a primary resource for understanding the evolution of Marian theology and apocryphal literature. The text is noted for its academic rigor and the clarity of its introduction, making it a standard reference for those studying the formation of early church traditions.
Page Count:
224
Publication Date:
2008-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0191562068
ISBN-13:
9780191562068
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