The earliest known copy of a story about Jesus performing a miracle as a child has been discovered on a 2,000-year-old papyrus in Egypt, detailing the 'vivification of the sparrows.' The story is part of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, which was excluded from the Bible. The papyrus was found in Hamburg, Germany, and is believed to have been written in the 4th or 5th century.
Key Points
Earliest known copy of a story about Jesus' childhood miracle
Papyrus dates back to the 4th or 5th century in Egypt
Details the 'vivification of the sparrows' involving Jesus turning clay pigeons into live birds
Part of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, excluded from the Bible
Pros
Provides insight into lesser-known stories about Jesus' childhood
Adds to historical understanding of religious texts and manuscripts
Cons
The authenticity of the story may be questioned due to its exclusion from the Bible
Limited historical context and evidence surrounding the manuscript's discovery