What Did Jesus Do as a Child? The Truth Hidden for 1,500 Years

A newly identified papyrus scrap offers the oldest known glimpse into the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the childhood of Jesus. In 2024, papyrologists discovered a Greek text in the University of Hamburg library dating to the fourth or fifth century, providing the earliest witness to these controversial stories. The manuscript details the young Jesus performing miracles, such as bringing clay sparrows to life, while also recounting darker episodes like cursing a boy who then dies. These narratives were widely circulated, surviving in thirteen languages for over 1,500 years, yet they were ultimately excluded from the canon of early Christianity. While church figures like Irenaeus and John Chrysostom condemned these accounts as false, the text remained a significant part of religious history, influencing medieval art and literature. By examining this lost gospel, we can better understand the diverse traditions surrounding the life of Jesus that never entered the Bible. Subscribe for weekly historical breakdowns, and comment which figure you want us to explore next. If you enjoyed this story, you can explore the books, audiobook, workbook, and guides from The Midnight Library here: 🕯️📚 👉 https://themidnightart.com/collections/books-audiobooks-guides If you’d like to support the continuation of this work, you can become a member or leave a Super Thanks. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGYQ1Lgt_i4pEK0JOdUSzQ/join Support is never expected — but always deeply appreciated. ❤️ Thank you for being here, and for spending this time in the library. 🕯️✨ For those who resonate with the visual world of The Midnight Library, a curated collection of art and apparel inspired by these themes is available here: 👉 https://themidnightart.com/ For ambient, chant, and cinematic music inspired by ancient traditions, visit The Midnight Library Music: 👉 / @themidnightlibrarymusic For intimate and emotional musical compositions, explore The Romantic Guy: 👉 / @theromanticguy Every story in The Midnight Library opens another door. 🕯️🔑 #Jesus #InfancyGospelOfThomas #LostGospels #BibleHistory #EarlyChristianity #Apocrypha #HiddenHistory