The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot

A New Look at the Betrayer and Betrayed

By: Bart D. Ehrman

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Lost for nearly 1,700 years, newly restored and authenticated, the Gospel of Judas presents a very different view of the relationship between Jesus and Judas. Rather than paint Judas as a traitor, it portrays him as acting at Jesus' request.

A National Geographic special introduced tens of millions of viewers to one of the most important biblical discoveries of modern times. Now a leading historian of the early church (and a featured commentator in the special) offers the first comprehensive account of the gospel, revealing what it contains and why it is so important for believers around the world.

Ehrman recounts the fascinating story of where and how this ancient parchment document was discovered, how it moved around among antiquities dealers, and how it came to be restored and translated. He gives a complete and clear account of what the book teaches, and he shows how it relates to other gospel texts, including the Gnostic texts of early Christianity. Finally, he describes what we can now say about the historical Judas and his relationship with Jesus.

The Gospel of Judas raises many questions. Ehrman provides illuminating and authoritative answers.

©2006 Bart D. Ehrman (P)2006 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"In typically brilliant fashion...Ehrman's fast-paced study introduces us engagingly to the Gospel of Judas." (Publishers Weekly)

Great Book.

Long over due! Anyone who wants to understand the how and why of. Christianity. should buy this book.

The Laughing Jesus

I strongly agree with David from Wisconsin. I believe that Bart does a better job with this subject then probably anyone else could. Several chapters are devoted to how this document was found and what happened to it after. Bart explains why this document is important and in layman's terms. He explains a lot about Gnostic teachings. At first this is fairly interesting, but later he goes into so much detail that I lost interest.

I did like the explanation about how people often combine the three Gospels, which in effect creates another gospel all together. All the gospels where written in a certain way to a certain group of people and to highlight a certain theology. When you combine them, it distorts the effect. I have narrated a lot of Easter programs for my church and have seen how that happens.

Gnostics seem to believe that the Old Testament God (Creator God) is not the same as the New Testament (Loving) God. This is an interesting concept, but from there it gets pretty weird. They seem to become the Anti-Church. They believe almost the opposite of what Christians believe.

Toward the end, Bart starts repeating himself and gets into thick details I lost interest in.

The narrator is so good, that I thought it was the author. Narrator is very comfortable to listen to.

Recommended

Exceeded expectations!

The main message was not on "The Gospel of Judas". The main focus was on the questions: "Who was Jesus" and "What was Judas's relationship with Jesus"

This book did not bore me with tedious details of the text of "The Gospel of Judas", but gave a good review of this text in light of the historical Jesus.

interesting then becomes arcane

For those of us who don't spend time reading Gnostic gospels, it is a good and interesting introduction to the history and themes and at first is very interesting but then drifts into some repetion, more and more minute internal disagreements in the field, and finally just poops out as both a book and an area of interest for the uninformed. Worth it, but just.

Content OK...But.....

The content of this work is fine, although a little redundant.
BUT....the use of two readers is a little over-done.
One reads the regular text, but when scripture is read or different sections are addressed another voice (GOD?) makes the appearance...it's overdone and frankly a little silly. Then, just when things get back to normal, a series of chime-like notes take over...not sure why...maybe for emphasis?..but once again not adding anything of value.
It would have been nice just to hear someone read the book!

Comparative Study of Judas Iscariot

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Only those interested in a research of the subject

Any additional comments?

I was expecting more of the content of the manuscript. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. I was expecting more of a story book, like the one Taylor Caldwell did with the subject, in her book, "I Judas". However, it was an interesting study and kept me interested to the end. Biblical scholars will enjoy this comparative study.

Fascinating

The subject matter and content were very interesting, and the book was well narrated. I enjoyed listening and being intrigued by new ideas presented by the Gospel of Judas.

Very informative w. explanations to build context

Bart D. Ehrman's book does well to be informative in building the scene for his audience to have a deeper understanding of the significance of the gospel of Judas. The book provides a window through the gospel of Judas to see how diverse the Christian faith even back in "bible times" really was.

I listened to this audiobook straight after listening to Bart D. Ehrman's "Jesus Interrupted." I found that some of the same material was discussed. This, however, was definitely needed to build the scene for new readers to better grasp the contents of the gospel.
But to compare both books "Jesus Interrupted" is definitely better (in my opinion) IF you are more interested in getting a better understanding of the history of the gospels that are in the kanon today.

I was a little bored at the very long chapters about how the gospel was found, It's interesting to know and shouldn't be forgotten, however, I really wanted to get to what was in the gospel itself.

The best parts are the beginning and near the end. I don't regret using a credit to listen to this book.

Happy listening~

Another good book about the New Testament

Another good book about the New Testament. There were good in sites as always. I always like learning from Dr. Ehrman.

Left leaning

He did get couple passages wrong when quoting the canon or deliberately misspoke. At the end of the book he decides to get political. Not professional at all as a professor or as a book for better understanding/ learning.