Rediscovered in modern times, these "non-canonical" gospels, epistles, and other pieces were excised from the standard Bible by various church councils in the first four centuries of the Christian era. Here, among other texts, are writings describing the girlhood and betrothal of Mary and her life before Christ's birth; the childhood of Jesus, as described by Peter and Nicodemus; and the appearance of Christ before the gates of Hell, from whence he leads Adam and the saints to Paradise.
Translated from the original languages, with 32 illustrations from ancient paintings and missals, The...

Also known and originally published as "The Apocryphal New Testament." The twenty-six books in this volume do not appear in the Bible but offer more information beyond its scope. Some of them support or share New Testament ideas while others reveal new information about Jesus as a child, Mary's life before his birth, and much more. Each of these "lost books" includes an introduction, telling us what we know about them, including authenticity, place of origin, history of the manuscript and other interesting facts. This exclusive edition restores two original Prefaces and supplementary material...