The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot

Starred review from August 28, 2006
In typically brilliant fashion, Ehrman (Misquoting Jesus
) tells the lively tale of the modern discovery of the Gospel of Judas and its significance for us today. In order to differentiate the Judas of the newly discovered text from the character in the canonical gospels, he examines the portrayal of Judas in Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, as well as in other early Christian gospels such as the Gospel of Nicodemus. He chronicles the events surrounding the discovery of the text and its transmission since its discovery (which involves rumors of black market trading in looted documents). Ehrman also provides a helpful overview of the content of this once lost gospel, which depicts Jesus teaching Judas about a divine realm that no one has ever seen and to which Jesus must return. Ehrman concludes that the discovery of the Gospel of Judas is significant not only because it adds to our knowledge of the diversity of early Christianity but also because it portrays a Judas who is not a traitor to the cause but one who is instrumental in fulfilling Jesus' divine mission. Ehrman's fast-paced study introduces us engagingly to the Gospel of Judas.

October 15, 2006
The recent discovery of the Gospel of Judas has rattled the rafters of Christendom. This Gnostic textalong with others of its ilkhas become increasingly important in understanding Christianity's genesis. Simply put, it challenges the authority of the canonical Gospels. Prolific scholar and historian Ehrman (religious studies, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; "Misquoting Jesus") illuminates this important third- or fourth-century manuscript. Not only does he provide an overview of Judas in the traditional New Testament, but he also surveys the Gospel of Judas, from its discovery to its content. Throughout the Christian tradition, writes Ehrman, Judas has been portrayed as the rotten apple in the apostolic barrel. Yet the Gospel of Judas reveals a radical new understanding of Christ's mission and Judas's role in it. Judas, in fact, is the lone member of Christ's inner circle who understood Jesus's message. Furthermore, Judas did not really betray Christ. According to Ehrman, his action was a kind deed performed for the sake of his Lord. Recommended for both public and academic libraries."C. Brian Smith, Arlington Heights Memorial Lib., IL"

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 1, 2006
There's been a flurry of attention about a biblical discovery recently brought to light--a Gospel that paints the apostle Judas in a very different light than the four Gospels of the New Testament. The National Geographic Society, which was instrumental in bringing the lost Gospel of Judas to light, has already put out two books and one TV show on the subject. Ehrman, who was one of the few people called upon to authenticate the manuscript, goes beyond those two volumes, examining the lost Gospel for new insights about early Christianity and putting the codex into a historical context. Always an engaging writer, Ehrman has his work cut out for him here. The Gospel of Judas, which falls into the Gnostic tradition, can be puzzling, even bizarre. But, in step-by-step fashion, Ehrman leads his readers through the maze, covering the background of Gnosticism in general, exploring how this Gospel fits into that tradition, and examining precisely what the book says: that Judas was the recipient of secret revelations because he alone of all the disciples understood Jesus' message of salvation, and that he is to be honored for executing his part of the divine plan. A must for those interested in the subject of early Christianity, this volume will also attract readers intrigued by all the hoopla arising from the discovery of the lost Gospel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)