The Secrets of Judas by James M. Robinson

The discovery of a previously lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot has electrified the Christian community. The revelation of an ancient gospel that portrays this despised man as someone who saw his role in the Passion of Christ as integral to a larger plan—a divine plan—brings new clarity to the old story. If Judas had not betrayed Jesus, Jesus would not have been handed over to the authorities, crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. Could it be that without Judas, the Easter miracle would never have happened?  paperback 257 pages