How did Judas portray Jesus?

Answer 1

The Gospel of Judas cannot be dated with any certainty before the fourth century. It exists in an early fourth-century Coptic text, though it has been proposed, but not proven, that the text is a translation of an earlier Greek version. The early Church father Irenaeus did indeed know of an existence of a 'Gospel of Judas' although whether or not this is the same document that was rediscovered in the 1970s we do not know. He called this early Greek Gnostic document "fictitious history" and, unlike fragments of the Gospels (eg the Ryland Codex of John which dates from the very early second century), there is no realevidence to suggest that the Gospel of Judas as we know it today dates from any earlier than the 4th Century. More than this, the Gospel of Judas contains theological ideas and argument that did not exist before the late second century, adding fuel to the evidence that the document was a much later work.

The content, however, is interesting, and shows Judas in a much better light than the gospels do. Like many Gnostic works, the Gospel of Judas claims to be a secret account, specifically "the secret account of the revelation that Jesus spoke in conversation with Judas Iscariot." We know, of course, that Judas did not write it, as he had long since died even before the earliest claim for this work to have been written.

Despite its lack of authenticity, the Gospel of Judas does throw up some very pertinent questions. During the last 2000 years, many have contemplated the idea that Judas was required to have carried out his actions in order for Jesus to have died on the cross and hence fulfill theological obligations. The Gospel of Judas, however, asserts clearly that Judas' action was in obedience to a direct command of Jesus himself.

Here we have a dilemma. Many modern theologians are rethinking the whole Judas event. We are told in scripture, especially by John, that Judas' actions were because the 'devil entered him'. However, many modern theologians are looking at the Judas story in a different light. The question they as is:- If Judas (or someone else) did not betray Jesus, the Cross would never have happened, nor the resurrection, ascension, and coming of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, by fulfilling the scriptures and handing over Jesus in this way, was Judas actually doing God's work? If so, then he should be recognised. If not, then how would the prophesies be fulfilled, and how would the salvation of humanity occur?

This question has dogged even som in the Catholic Church and there is now a movement to attempt to make Judas, very belatedly in some opinions, a saint. Although I doubt very much, in the conservative climate of the Roman Catholic Church whether this will ever happen.

Answer 2

The Gospel of Judas was mentioned by Irenaeus and must therefore date to before 180 CE. A copy was allegedly found in the 1970s and has been considered a modern forgery but is being studied in the light that it could be an early manuscript. This codex says that Judas was not a traitor, but that he was a trusted disciple obeying the command of Jesus.