(Here's what we know from historical evidence about the Twelve Apostles.) In biblical accounts Judas gives up Jesus Christ to his opponents, who later crucify the founder of Christianity. The Bible's New Testament Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John-depict Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, as a traitor.

The newly revealed gospel document, written in Coptic script, is believed to be a translation of the original, a Greek text written by an early Christian sect sometime before A.D. The only known surviving copy of the gospel was found in a codex, or ancient book, that dates back to the third or fourth century A.D. Some biblical scholars are calling the Gospel of Judas the most significant archaeological discovery in 60 years. The Coptic, or Egyptian Christian, manuscripts were unveiled today at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C. That's what a newly revealed ancient Christian text says.Īfter being lost for nearly 1,700 years, the Gospel of Judas was recently restored, authenticated, and translated. He is one of the most reviled men in history.īut was Judas only obeying his master's wishes when he betrayed Jesus with a kiss?

Last trial of judas iscariot