With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. (Mark 4: 33-34)

There were many collections of sayings and parables. If Mark was trying to present a brief, action-packed, biography he would not want his narrative burdened with too many already well-known quotes. He had another purpose.

Two-thousand years later, though, we regret not having every story, parable, and saying of Jesus.

In the fourth and fifth centuries many of the early writings were excluded from an emerging canon of accepted texts. In subsequent generations many of these non-canonical writings came to be seen by Church authorities as inaccurate and misleading.

Only in the last century have a few of these lost writings been reclaimed from ancient hiding places and trash heaps.

One of my favorites is the Gospel of Thomas. Unlike the four gospels of the canon it has no narrative and very little commentary. It is a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus. About half reflect sayings also found in the canon.

More on the Gospel of Thomas is available from Early Christian Writings. Today many churches celebrate the feast day of St. Jude. Some believe that Jude or Judas is also Thomas. Judas Thomas or Judas Didymus means the Judas the twin. Judas is listed in the canonical gospels as a brother of Jesus.

Above is the Doubt of Saint Thomas by He Qi.