9. Iesus, having returned to Judaea, holds a wondrous disputation with the doctors, having come to the age of twelve years.
When Herod was dead, behold the Angel (of the Lord) appeared in a dream to Joseph, saying:
'Return into Judaea, for they are dead that willed the death of the child.'
Joseph therefore took the child with Mary (he having come to the age of seven years) and came to Judaea; whence, hearing that Archelaus (son of Herod) was reigning in Judaea, he went into Galilee, fearing to remain in Judaea; and they went to dwell at Nazareth.
The child grew in grace and wisdom before God and before men.
Iesus (having come to the age of twelve years) went up with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem to worship there according to the law (of the Lord) written in the book of Moses. When their prayers were ended they departed, having lost Iesus, because they thought that he was returned home with their kinsfolk. Mary therefore returned (with Joseph) to Jerusalem, seeking Iesus among kinsfolk and neighbors. The third day they found the child in the temple, in the midst of the doctors, disputing with them concerning the law. And every one was amazed at his questions and answers, saying:
'How can there be such doctrine in him, seeing he is so small and hath not learned to read?'
Mary reproved him, saying:
'Son, what hast thou done to us? Behold I and thy father have sought thee for three days sorrowing.'
Iesus answered:
'Know ye not that the service of God ought to come before father and mother?'
Iesus then went down with his mother and Joseph to Nazareth, and was subject to them with humility and reverence.