The Syriac Infancy Gospel

was probably compiled in the 6th century CE, and was based on "The Infancy Gospel of Thomas", and "The Protevangelium of James".

It comes in three parts: 

* the birth of Jesus, based on "The Protevangelium of James"; 

* the miracles performed during the Flight into Egypt, based entirely on local tradition; 

* the miracles of Jesus as a boy, based on "The Infancy Gospel of Thomas", but with some additions, including a diaper once used by Jesus that now has healing powers, his sweat that turns into a balm for the cure of leprosy, and his ability to dye cloth in various colours while only using only indigo dye. 

It also makes Jesus and Judas Iscariot acquaintances long before his ministry begins, and the same with the two thieves who will be crucified with him.

The text was originally written in Syrian Aramaic, but later translated into Arabic; the latter has been lost. Its earliest known mention was by Isho'dad of Merv, a 9th-century Syrian church father, in his commentary on "The Gospel of Matthew".

The narrative, particularly the second part concerning the miracles in Egypt, can also be found in the Qur'an - for example Surah 19:29-34, where the story of Jesus speaking as a baby in the cradle is narrated - and in the Arabic "Gospel Of The Infancy Of The Saviour", which probably came much later.

Such text of this Gospel as has survived can be read here. It is not the same as "The Infancy Gospel of Thomas".


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