The Gospel of Judas

Ask a Bible Teacher

Q. I was just wondering what your opinion is on this Gospel of Judas that has mysteriously shown up recently. I know Paul says not to accept any Gospel other than the one he preached. I really don't believe this Gospel of Judas is true and I'm very suspicious of it since it apparently was written by gnostics and I find it "funny" that it came out just before Easter. I would love to know your "take" on it.

A. The Gospel of Judas, written in the 2nd century, was condemned as heresy nearly 1800 years ago by early church leaders. It promotes the gnostic error, that salvation is attained through the acquisition of secret knowledge rather than faith in the Lord's atoning death on the cross. It's 26 pages long and mentions neither the crucifixion nor the resurrection, but has Jesus promising to convey to Judas the secret knowledge he desired, and thanking him for his act of betrayal.

I think non-believers will try to make a big deal out of it, like they did about the Gospel of Thomas a few years ago, but it'll soon fade away. It's discovery is being promoted by National Geographic, a non-religious group, and bringing it out at Easter is no coincidence.