Abstract

The Gospel of Judas was found in the 1970s in Al Minya, Egypt. After a series of bizarre events, this long-lost gospel was restored, translated, and published in April, 2006. The National Geographic Society financially supported the project, which resulted in an English translation, a commentary on the gospel, and a televised documentary. This gospel tells the story of Jesus and his disciples in the days leading up to the crucifixion. More specifically, the narrative is focused on the dialogue between Jesus and Judas Iscariot. Although the initial reactions to the Gospel of Judas sought to redeem Judas from his malevolent reputation, further analysis has revealed a negative depiction of his character.
Indeed, characterization utilizing a narrative-critical approach in the interpretation of this gospel clearly supports the idea that the figure of Judas Iscariot is characterized as a demon. Jesus is the central character, and as such is the protagonist of the story. It is Jesus who is the divine revealer of the mysteries of the kingdom and the end days. Judas plays a significant role in the plot, but because the implied reader develops a negative relationship with him, he cannot be a protagonist. Judas, instead, plays the role of the deuteragonist. He is the second most important character in the plot and acts as Jesus' subordinate. The Gospel of Judas is a valuable document, as it reveals aspects of second and third century Christianity. Much of the content of this gospel is shrouded in mystery. A narrative-critical approach focusing on characterization will elicit layers of meaning within the Judas gospel.