Biblical Context

Bribery, the act of giving or receiving something of value in exchange for influence or action, is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. It is seen as a corrupt practice that perverts justice and righteousness. In the New Testament, one of the most infamous acts of bribery is the transaction between Judas Iscariot and the chief priests, which led to the betrayal of Jesus Christ.

Scriptural Account

The account of Judas Iscariot's betrayal is found in several passages of the New Testament, notably in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The Gospel of Matthew provides a detailed narrative of the event:

"Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus." (Matthew 26:14-16)

This passage highlights the transactional nature of Judas's betrayal. The chief priests, seeking to arrest Jesus without causing a public uproar, found in Judas a willing accomplice. The thirty pieces of silver, the price of betrayal, fulfilled the prophecy found in Zechariah 11:12-13, underscoring the gravity and foreordained nature of the act.

Moral and Theological Implications

The bribery of Judas by the chief priests is a stark illustration of the moral decay and spiritual blindness that can accompany the love of money and power. Judas, one of Jesus's chosen disciples, allowed greed to overshadow his loyalty and devotion. The chief priests, religious leaders entrusted with guiding the people in righteousness, resorted to bribery to achieve their ends, demonstrating their deep-seated corruption.

Theologically, this event is pivotal in the Passion narrative, setting in motion the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the human propensity for sin and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their desires, even at the cost of righteousness and truth.

Biblical Condemnation of Bribery

Throughout the Bible, bribery is consistently condemned as an evil practice. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses explicitly forbids it: "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." (Exodus 23:8) Similarly, Proverbs warns against the corrupting influence of bribes: "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." (Proverbs 17:23)

The New Testament continues this condemnation, emphasizing integrity and justice. The account of Judas's betrayal serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of bribery and the moral responsibility of individuals to resist such temptations.

Conclusion

The bribery of Judas by the chief priests is a profound example of the destructive nature of sin and the moral failings of those who prioritize worldly gain over spiritual truth. It serves as a warning to believers to uphold justice and righteousness, resisting the corrupting influence of bribery in all its forms.Matthew 26:15
And said to them, What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
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Matthew 27:3-9
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
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Mark 14:11
And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
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Luke 22:5
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
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A Few Sighs from Hell;
... after death; those cannot serve as a bribe to death ... and the great men, and the chief
captains, and ... death of Balaam, Agag, Ahithophel, Haman, Judas, Herod, with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

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