Protoevangelium of James
c. 145–200 AD · Early Christian Writings (Non-Canonical)
About this text
An infancy gospel telling the story of Mary's birth, childhood, and the nativity of Jesus with expanded detail. Source of many traditions about Mary.
Significance
The primary source for many traditions about Mary (her parents Anna and Joachim, her temple service, the perpetual virginity doctrine).
Key excerpts
"And the priest said unto Mary: The Lord God hath magnified thy name, and thou shalt be blessed among all generations of the earth."
Scripture cross-references
- Luke 1:28 — Gabriel's greeting to Mary — the Protoevangelium tells her backstory
- Luke 1:48 — "All generations shall call me blessed" — echoed here
Continue exploring
This text is one of 19 in the Early Christian Writings (Non-Canonical) category, and one of 62 across the entire library.