Naomi Greenspan is a Program Associate for the Commission on Interreligious Affairs. She holds a degree from St. Louis' Washington University.

For nearly 2000 years Christian anti-Semitism was based in part on the notion that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ Twelve Disciples, betrayed him sending him to be killed on the cross.  Despite the fact that all twelve of Jesus’ apostles were Jewish, this betrayal by Judas was expanded to include all Jews who became known as Christ’s killers.  Judas is portrayed as a traitor and a villain in several of the Gospel accounts, most notably in John; his name is synonymous with “traitor” in the Christian tradition. 

Recently, however, information was uncovered that counters this account of Judas’ role in the death of Jesus. An ancient document, with a clear title calling it the “Gospel of Judas,” tells another story.  This gospel account, written in Coptic around the 3rd century (but the original existed sometime before 180 CE), tells the story that Judas did not betray Jesus.  Rather, Jesus actually asked Judas to give him to the Roman authorities.  Judas must do this against his will and despite his close relationship with Jesus; it was an act of obedience and worship to follow Jesus’ direction.  According to the Gospel of Judas then, Judas is a hero rather than a villain. 

During the canonization of the New Testament, however, this gospel was excluded, together with many other stories about the life and teachings of Jesus.  When the New Testament was canonized, including only the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John the Gospel of Judas was rejected as heretical by early Church leaders.  Judas’ story was lost until today. 

The unveiling of the story of the Gospel of Judas this past week marks one more bit of evidence about the complex beliefs held by early members of the Christian community. Since contemporary Christians do not use these gospels in their liturgy, it is not likely that the Gospel of Judas will have an impact on their religious lives. It may however, bring a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Jesus’ death and challenges many of the negative images and stereotypes that Christians have accepted about Jews. It will certainly provide important material for discussions between our two communities.