Decoding the 2,000-year-old manuscript revealing details of Jesus's childhood

Researchers in Germany have decoded what they say is the oldest-ever manuscript detailing Jesus Christ's life as a child. The fragment is believed to be part of the Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal book not included in the Bible. The manuscript, dating back to the 4th or 5th century, recounts the story of the "vivification of the sparrows," where a young Jesus brings clay figures to life. This discovery sheds new light on the transmission of the text and challenges previous assumptions about its origins. The poor handwriting in the document suggests it may have been a writing exercise in a monastery or school. This finding is significant as it provides insights into early Christian beliefs and practices.