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APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS.
THE ARABIC GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY.[1]
CHAPTER I.
We have found this in the book of Joseph the high priest, who lived in the time of Christ, and some have said that he is Caiaphas.[2] He saith that Jesus talked even when he was in the cradle, and said to his mother Mary, I am Jesus the Son of God, the Word, whom thou hast borne as the angel Gabriel announced to thee; and my Father hath sent me for the salvation of the world.
CHAPTER II.
Now in the 309th year of the era of Alexander, Augustus decreed that every one should be enrolled in his native place. Therefore Joseph arose and having taken Mary his spouse departed from Jeru-
- ↑ The Arabic text is preceded by the following: — In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, One God. With the help and favour of the supreme God we begin to write the book of the miracles of our Master and Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which is called "The Gospel of the Infancy," in the peace of the Lord. Amen.
- ↑ This is confirmed by Josephus (Antiq. xviii. 2, 2), who writes the name Joseph Caiphas. See also p. 230.
