Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, is a figure of profound infamy in Christian theology and history. His surname, "Iscariot," is often thought to denote his place of origin, possibly referring to Kerioth, a town in Judea. Judas's role in the narrative of the Gospels is pivotal, as he is the disciple who ultimately betrays Jesus, leading to the Lord's arrest and crucifixion.

Role Among the Disciples

Judas was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the group's finances, serving as the keeper of the money bag (John 12:6). Despite his close association with Jesus and the other disciples, Judas's heart was not aligned with the mission and teachings of Christ. The Gospels suggest that Judas was motivated by greed and personal gain, as evidenced by his willingness to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).

The Betrayal

The act of betrayal is a central event in the Passion narrative. Judas's decision to betray Jesus was premeditated, as he conspired with the chief priests to deliver Jesus into their hands. The Gospel of Matthew records, "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?' So they set out for him thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-15).

During the Last Supper, Jesus foretold the betrayal, saying, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me" (Matthew 26:21). Despite the disciples' confusion and distress, Judas's identity as the betrayer was revealed when Jesus said, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me" (Matthew 26:23).

Judas's betrayal culminated in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss, a gesture that has since become synonymous with treachery (Matthew 26:47-49).

Aftermath and Legacy

The consequences of Judas's actions weighed heavily upon him. Overcome with remorse, he attempted to return the blood money to the chief priests, declaring, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his repentance did not lead to redemption, and in despair, Judas took his own life (Matthew 27:5).

Judas Iscariot's legacy is one of caution and reflection within Christian thought. His story serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition, greed, and betrayal. Theologically, Judas's actions fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and death, yet they also highlight the profound mystery of human free will and divine sovereignty.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, Judas's betrayal is juxtaposed with the redemptive work of Christ, who, despite being betrayed, willingly laid down His life for the salvation of humanity. Judas Iscariot remains a complex and tragic figure, whose life and actions continue to provoke contemplation and discussion among believers.Matthew 26:47-50
And while he yet spoke, see, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
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Mark 14:43-45
And immediately, while he yet spoke, comes Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
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Luke 22:47-49
And while he yet spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him.
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John 18:2-5
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus often resorted thither with his disciples.
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Acts 1:16-25
Men and brothers, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
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The General Epistle of Jude
... "Judas, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James." We can be sure that the
James here mentioned is the ... Jude's use of it betrays no consciousness of ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxiv the general epistle.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... the brother of James;} and them he surnamed Boanerges, which ... which bears his name,
and his brother Jude (who also ... the father of Judas, and of Judas himself we ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

Friends of Jesus.
... Thomas, of Galilee; James and Jude, two brothers ... Capernaum; Simon, of Galilee, and
Judas Iscariot, who came ... men, for they became the Lord's spiritual brothers ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvii friends of jesus.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... the oldest of the four "brethren" (James, Joseph, Judas, Simon), of ... mentioned
Matt.13:55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1:1 ... there are many of this name) was surnamed the Just ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

The Catholic Epistles.
... JD Schulze: Der schriftstellerische Charakter und Werth des Petrus, Jacobus und
Judas. ... Jude 14, 15 ... The First Epistle of John betrays throughout, in thought and ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 87 the catholic epistles.htm

Christ Manifesting Himself to his People
... He says, "Judas, not Iscariot." There were two of the name of ... and the other who wrote
the epistle of Jude, who should properly have been called Judas. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ manifesting himself to his.htm

Acts i. 12
... two," it is said, "Joseph called Barsabus, who was surnamed Justus, and ... The former
view identifies this Judas with the author of the Epistle (Jude 1:1) and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii acts i 12.htm

The Disciples of Jesus.
... Lastly, Judas, son of Simon, of the town of Kerioth ... inclined toward him.[1] James
and Jude, however, his ... Jesus had aptly surnamed them "sons of thunder," on ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ix the disciples of.htm

The Choice of the Twelve
... the brother of James; and them He surnamed Boanerges, which ... refutes a curious conjecture,
that Judas may have ... Thaddaeus, Jude, and Lebbaeus, are interchangeable ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 7-19 the choice of.htm

From all Thy Saints in Warfare, for all Thy Saints at Rest
... ST. LUKE. ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE. GENERAL ENDING. ... For one in place of Judas the faithful
now rejoice. ... And him surnamed thy brother; keep us thy brethren true,. ...
/.../holy days general for saints.htm

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