Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Pseudo-Matthew, also known as the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew, is an apocryphal gospel that expands upon the infancy narratives of Jesus Christ found in the canonical Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is part of the New Testament Apocrypha, a collection of writings that were not included in the canonical Bible. The text is believed to have been composed in the early medieval period, possibly around the 7th century, and is written in Latin. It is often associated with the genre of "Infancy Gospels," which focus on the early life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Content and Themes: Pseudo-Matthew elaborates on the birth and early years of Jesus, providing additional details and miraculous events not found in the canonical Gospels. It includes accounts about the Virgin Mary's own miraculous birth and upbringing, the nativity of Jesus, the flight into Egypt, and various miracles performed by the infant Jesus. The text seeks to emphasize the divine nature of Jesus from a very young age and the purity and holiness of Mary. One of the notable accounts in Pseudo-Matthew is the account of the Holy Family's journey to Egypt, during which the infant Jesus performs miracles such as causing palm trees to bend down to provide fruit and water for Mary. This narrative is reminiscent of the biblical account of the flight to Egypt found in Matthew 2:13-15 : "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up!' he said. 'Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.' So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called My Son.'" Theological Significance: While Pseudo-Matthew is not considered canonical by mainstream Christianity, it reflects early Christian piety and the desire to know more about the life of Jesus and Mary. The text underscores the belief in the miraculous and divine nature of Jesus from birth, aligning with the orthodox Christian understanding of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. It also highlights the veneration of Mary, portraying her as a model of purity and obedience to God's will. Historical Context: The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew likely emerged in a context where there was a growing interest in the details of Jesus' early life, which are only briefly mentioned in the canonical Gospels. The text may have been used for devotional purposes, providing believers with a more detailed narrative to meditate upon. It also reflects the theological and doctrinal developments of the early medieval church, particularly concerning the role and status of Mary. Reception and Influence: Despite its non-canonical status, Pseudo-Matthew has had a lasting impact on Christian art and tradition. Many of the accounts from this text have been depicted in Christian iconography, particularly in the context of the Nativity and the flight into Egypt. The text has also influenced later apocryphal writings and has been referenced in various theological discussions about the life of Jesus and Mary. Conclusion: Pseudo-Matthew remains an important part of the apocryphal tradition, offering insights into early Christian beliefs and the development of Marian devotion. While not part of the biblical canon, it continues to be of interest to scholars and those exploring the broader context of early Christian literature. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PSEUDO-MATTHEW, GOSPEL OFsu'-do-math'-u. Library The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew Introduction And when the Second Year was Past, Magi came from the East to ... In those Days There was a Man in Jerusalem... And it Happened That, in the Time of the Feast... After These Things, Her Nine Months Being Fulfilled, Anna Brought ... And Mary was Held in Admiration by all the People of Israel... Then Abiathar the Priest Offered Gifts Without End to the High ... And on the Second Day, While Mary was at the Fountain to Fill Her ... Thesaurus Pseudomatthew... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PSEUDO-MATTHEW, GOSPEL OF. su'-do-math'-u. See APOCRYPHAL GOSPELS, III, 1, (b). ... /p/pseudomatthew.htm - 6k Pseudo-matthew Gospels Endirons Psaltiel Psychology Apocryphal Resources What does the Bible say that would apply to selfie culture? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Unity Church / Unity School of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org What is the Christ consciousness? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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