Topical Encyclopedia Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve original disciples of 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 from the town of Kerioth in Judea. Judas is most notably recognized for his betrayal of Jesus, an act that led to the arrest and crucifixion of Christ.Role Among the Disciples Judas was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, a group entrusted with spreading the teachings of Christ and performing miracles in His name. Despite his privileged position, Judas's heart was not aligned with the mission of Jesus. He served as the treasurer for the group, managing the money bag, but was known to be dishonest, as noted in John 12:6: "He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it." The Betrayal The most defining moment of Judas's life was his betrayal of Jesus. Motivated by greed, Judas agreed to deliver Jesus to the chief priests in exchange for thirty pieces of silver, as recorded in Matthew 26:14-16: "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." Judas's betrayal was fulfilled in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss, a prearranged signal. This act of treachery is recounted in Matthew 26:48-49: "Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.' Going directly to Jesus, he said, 'Greetings, Rabbi,' and kissed Him." Remorse and Death Overcome with remorse after witnessing the condemnation of Jesus, Judas attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, confessing, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his plea was dismissed, and in despair, Judas threw the silver into the temple and departed. Judas's life ended in tragedy, as he took his own life by hanging. This act is recorded in Matthew 27:5: "So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself." The field purchased with the returned silver became known as the "Field of Blood," a grim testament to his betrayal and demise. Theological Reflections Judas Iscariot's story serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of greed, betrayal, and unrepentant sin. His life and actions are often contrasted with those of the other apostles, particularly Peter, who, despite denying Jesus, sought forgiveness and was restored. Judas's failure to seek redemption and his subsequent despair highlight the importance of repentance and the hope of forgiveness offered through Christ. In Christian theology, Judas's betrayal fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Psalm 41:9 and Zechariah 11:12-13, underscoring the sovereignty of God even in the midst of human treachery. His life and actions continue to be a subject of theological reflection and moral caution within the Christian tradition. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Nave's Topical Index Acts 1:18 Library Christ Manifesting Himself to his People After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles. The Choice of the Twelve The Doctrine of Satan. The Disciples of Jesus. Acts i. 12 Index i. Of Subjects The Twelve and the Seventy. Letter vi. Temptation. The Disciples of Our Saviour. Resources Was Judas Iscariot forgiven / saved? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Gospel of Judas? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss? | GotQuestions.org Judas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judas (Jude): A Disciple Who Hosted Paul Judas (Jude): An Apostle, Probably Identical With Lebbaeus, or Thaddaeus Judas (Jude): of Galilee, Who Stirred up a Sedition Among the Jews Soon After the Birth of Jesus Judas (Jude): One of the Physical Half-Brothers of Jesus Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Barsabas": A Christian Sent to Antioch of Syria With Paul and Barnabas Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot" by his Bargaining to Betray Jesus for a Sum of Money Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot" by his Protest Against the Breaking of the Container of Ointment Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Betrays the Lord Jesus Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Chosen As an Apostle Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Hangs Himself Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": His Apostasy Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Prophecies Concerning Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Returns the Money to the Rulers of the Jews Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": The Treasurer of the Disciples Judas (Jude): The Brother of James and Probably the Writer of the Epistle of Jude Related Terms |
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