April DeConick makes a brilliant contribution to the conversation about this puzzling gospel, whose Sethian bitter voice she hears as a sophisticated, ironic parody of apostolic Christianity's atonement-by-sacrifice theology and cultic activity. Engagement with the gospel of Mark and with movie versions of Judas bring first and second century sectarian conflicts into contemporary focus. I highly recommend this work for all scholars and students of the apocryphal and canonical gospels. Jane D. Schaberg, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Detroit, Mercy, USA. -- Jane Schaberg
'Yet you will do worse than all of them. For the man that clothes me, you will sacrifice him.' Thus speaks Jesus to Judas Iscariot, according to April DeConick's new translation of the Gospel of Judas. But far from being a demand addressed by Jesus to his favorite disciple, as the first editors of the Gospel of Judas claimed, this sentence is both a prediction of Judas' betrayal of Jesus, and a condemnation of it. In her discussions of this passage and many others, April DeConick's new book provides solutions to major issues raised by this fascinating but frequently misunderstood and misinterpreted text. Louis Painchaud, Ph.D., Universite Laval, Canada -- Louis Painchaud, Ph.D., Universite Laval, Canada
Turning upside down the most accepted understanding of the Gospel of Judas (Codex Tchacos), April DeConick gives a radically new reading of this Coptic apocryphon, based on her fresh, personal translation. She unveils the techniques of an ancient author, a Sethian Gnostic of the 2nd century CE, who used mockery and sarcasm to define Judas' role in relation to Jesus on one side and the Apostles on the other. A deep original sight is offered on the intense and troubled story of early Christianity with its rival, opponent streams. Those who are interested in the Gnostic adventure cannot miss The Thirteenth Apostle. Professor Madeleine Scopello, Director of Research at the National Centre of Scientific Research Sorbonne, Paris -- Professor Madeleine Scopello
Introductory article and Q&A session on www.thesheepdip.co.uk
Mention- Chronicle of Higher Education, January 18, 2008
Review and Interview for National Geographic News, December 21st 2007
By the time I'd read it, I felt as if I had been given a privileged glimpse into discussions concerning early church literature, as well as the reasons behind the writing of the original gospel of Judas ... a fascinating book. - Christian Marketplace
Review in International Review of Biblical Studies, vol. 54:2007/08
Fascinating...offers a wholly different interpretation, one that focuses on the various distinct sects of second and third century Christians but has much to say about our modern view of this infamous character Good Book Guide, 1 February 2008
Reviewed in Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo, 2010
This fascinating new book from April DeConick...takes issue with the recent translation and offers a wholly different interpretation, one that focuses on the various distinct sects of second and third century Christians but has much to say about our modern view of this infamous character. The Good Book Guide
NOT another book on the Gospel of Judas! That was my first reaction on seeing April DeConick's The Thirteenth Apostle ... Her book is different from the others that are on the market and offers an alternative translation of the text and a different view of Judas' fate. Methodist Recorder
DeConick's exposition of Sethian Gnosticism is sympathetic and illuminating...her treatment of the Gospel of Judas is very helpful, and brings to a wide readership debates that are also taking place in academic conferences and the publications to which they will lead. Reviewed by Andrew Gregory in Church of England Newspaper, 2008
[DeConick's] treatment of the Gospel of Jusas is very helpful and brings to a wide readership debates that are also taking place in academic conferences and the publications to which they will lead. - The Church of England Newspaper
DeConick is not nearly so well known to the reading public as other Gospel of Judas scholars, such as Ehrman, King, and Pagels ... but DeConick's volume, offering as it does a substantial revision of the current consensus, deserves as much attention ... her book contains a vast amount of useful information, placing the Gospel in its historical and theological context in a manner that is very accessible to the general public. Additionally, many readers will appreciate her autobiographical sections, her analysis of contemporary Jesus films, and her annotated bibliography. As such, her book deserves a place in libraries along with other essential Judas publications. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/ researchers; general readers. - L. J. Greenspoon, CHOICE, May 2008, Vol. 45 No. 09 -- L. J. Greenspoon * Choice *
This monograph will no doubt continue to play a central and positive role in redefining the consensus on the gospel of Judas and on the ethics of scholarship ... DeConick has succeeded in presenting a scholarly argument in a form also accessible to a popular audience. Both audiences will appreciate the appendices which summarize and comment on related literature topics [...] and many will also find the online discussion questions helpful. Christian Askeland, European Journal of Theology, XVII 2008 -- C. Askeland * European Journal of Theology *
This is most readable and accessible book, but for all of that it does not lose its scholarly edge 1 February, 2008 * Expository Times *
She makes a very convincing case, in my view. Indeed, she is only one of a growing number of scholars who are dissenting from the interpretation of Judas Iscariot put forward by the National Geographic team of scholars, and we will be hearing from them in due course. - Birger A. Pearson, Religious Studies Review, June 2008 -- Birger A. Pearson * Religious Studies Review *
