Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, is a figure whose name has become synonymous with betrayal and apostasy. His surname, "Iscariot," likely indicates his place of origin, 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 crucifixion.

Background and Role as an Apostle

Judas Iscariot was selected by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, a group entrusted with spreading the message of the Kingdom of God. As an apostle, Judas was given authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15). He was also appointed as the treasurer for the group, responsible for managing the money bag (John 12:6).

The Betrayal

The most defining act of Judas's life was his betrayal of Jesus. The Gospels recount that Judas agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of treachery was prophesied in the Old Testament, as seen in Psalm 41:9: "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."

During the Last Supper, Jesus foretold the betrayal, saying, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me" (Matthew 26:21). Despite the warning, Judas proceeded with his plan. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss, a gesture of friendship that became a symbol of his deceit (Matthew 26:48-49).

Motivations and Character

The motivations behind Judas's betrayal have been the subject of much speculation and debate. The Gospels suggest a combination of greed and satanic influence. John 12:6 notes Judas's tendency to steal from the money bag, indicating a love of money. Furthermore, Luke 22:3 states, "Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve," suggesting a spiritual dimension to his actions.

Judas's character is often contrasted with the other apostles, who, despite their flaws, remained faithful to Jesus. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked sin and the susceptibility of the human heart to evil.

The Aftermath and Legacy

After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas was filled with remorse. He attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests, declaring, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). However, his repentance did not lead to redemption. Overcome with despair, Judas took his own life by hanging (Matthew 27:5).

Judas's legacy is one of tragedy and warning. His apostasy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from Christ. The early church viewed his actions as a fulfillment of prophecy and a necessary part of God's redemptive plan, yet his story remains a somber reflection on the potential for betrayal within the human heart.

In Christian theology, Judas Iscariot's life and actions are often examined to understand the nature of sin, free will, and divine sovereignty. His story is a powerful testament to the importance of faithfulness and the peril of allowing worldly desires to overshadow spiritual truth.John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Nave's Topical Index

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... This epithet is given to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer ... Jude foresees the great dark
beastly manism that ... His interpretations were so obscure and erroneous that ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Judas Iscariot, a Jud??an, i.522; beginning of his apostasy, ii.36; ... Judas Lebb??us,
why so called, i.522; ... Jude, brother of Christ, character of, i.251, 254. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Saved by Grace;
... by the power of God; for he only "is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... God will thus use them is stated in Jude 6 " it ... v.3); but later we see him suffering
his ten kings ... which show that Antichrist is a re-incarnation of Judas. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

False Profession.
... them have boasted themselves of this liberty, yet Jude calls them ... to their own place,
with Cain and Judas, men of ... But he did not perfectly see his face; for he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... The devils are bound in chains of darkness (Jude 6). So are all ... that wedge of gold
which served to cleave asunder his soul from ... It made Judas betray Christ. ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... They are superhuman, but they are as truly men as Judas and Mahomet were men ... ii.4.
Jude 6). [403 ... 16) will the time have come for Christ to sit upon His own throne ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm

Questions.
... 10. What was Enoch's prophecy?"Jude, 14, 15. 11. ... 37. How had His gentleness been
foretold?"Is. ... 44. Mention the prophecies of the treachery of Judas."Ps. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Concerning Persecution
... Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss ... for Christ was afterwards made to
burn for his sins ... sufferings: Suffering the vengeance of eternal fire' (Jude 7 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ...
... did Judas the impious seller and betrayer of his Master ... the Spirit of Christ, he
is none of His." [2454] To ... have not this Spirit, the Apostle Jude has declared ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxi on the words.htm

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