The Secrets of Judas
by James M. Robinson
Published by Harper SanFrancisco
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Reviewed by Janelle Martin
Subtitle: The story of the misunderstood disciple and his lost gospel
On July 1, 2004, the world learned that a copy of "the most condemned writing of antiquity: The Gospel of Judas" had been discovered. First described by Irenaeus of Lyon around 180 AD, this document has been lost until it resurfaced in 1983. In The Secrets of Judas author James M. Robinson studies current views on the apostle Judas and tells of the discovery and sale of this priceless piece of history.
The first half of The Secrets of Judas includes a line-by-line comparison between the Gospels of Mark, Luke and Matthew. Robinson considers who may have implemented the various interpretations of Judas' story and why, focusing on political differences between the factions in the early Christian Church.
This helps readers consider the important question: "Will this new document, The Gospel of Judas, reveal secrets about Jesus and paint a new picture of Judas?" Robinson believes the text is valuable to scholars of the second century, but dismisses the notion that it'll reveal unknown biblical secrets.
In the second half, Robinson describes secretive maneuvers and negotiations occurring in the United States, Switzerland, Greece and elsewhere over two decades. In 1983 the Codex containing the "Judas" manuscript was offered for sale for the princely sum of $3 million. Robinson traces the twisted trail taken by the manuscript and its sellers, leading to the publication of The Gospel of Judas and The Lost Gospel: The Quest for the Gospel of Judas Iscariot, and the National Geographic special about the discovery and translation of the Coptic document in April 2006.
While a copy of the Coptic text or its translation is not included in The Secrets of Judas, what Robinson includes is equally important. A true understanding of this priceless document can only be gained by understanding its place within the canon, and the political dimensions that contributed to its long absence.
James M. Robinson is the former director of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity and Professor Emeritus at The Claremont Graduate School. An international leader of those studying Coptic manuscripts, he is best known for his work on the Nag Hammadi Codices.
Armchair Interviews says: A very sophisticated book for those with this special interest.