The National Geographic Society released yesterday the first modern translation of the ancient Gospel of Judas, which depicts the most reviled villain in Christian history as a devoted follower who was simply doing Jesus's bidding when he betrayed him.

It's not exactly the perfect gift for Good Friday or Easter, but the Gospel of Judas does have the virtue of relevance in giving the old, sacred story a dramatic new twist.

Marvin Meyer, who is on the nine-person Codex Advisory Panel assembled by the National Geographic Society, fielded questions and comments about the first modern translation of the ancient "Gospel of Judas" released Thursday by the organization.