The *Protevangelium of James *Protevangelium of James (also known as the
Gospel of James), are widely respected but have been excluded from the canon because they are not consistent with accepted narratives or contain some obvious flaw. . For instance, if you read the Nativity scene in the
Protoevangelium you will find it is a very respectful rendering and one that invites a very different theological perspective, but it does not parallel that in Luke.
There is also the addition of a midwife to the Nativity scene, though she arrives at the manger after Jesus is brought into the world – and there is, as well, a sudden shift to first person narration, and this clearly subracts from the credibility of the account.
Code:
" And I saw a woman coming down from the hill-country, and she said
to me: O man, whither are you going? And I said: I am seeking an Hebrew
midwife. And she answered and said unto me: Are you of Israel? And I said
to her: Yes. And she said: And who is it that is bringing forth in the cave?
And I said: A woman betrothed to me. And she said to me: Is she not your
wife? And I said to her: It is Mary that was reared in the temple of the Lord,
and I obtained her by lot as my wife. And yet she is not my wife, but has
conceived of the Holy Spirit."
Despite these inconsistencies, there is a charm to the *Protevangelium of James, and it is really quite likely Joseph would have sought out a midwife. It is also quite likely, as James’ narrative goes, that the birth scene was not for the eyes of mere mortals and both Joseph and the midwife were necessarily prevented form witnessing it.
As colorful and well-intentioned – and possibly as correct – as this apocryphal work may be, it is understandable why it was excluded from the Bible by the Church fathers.*
