Topical Encyclopedia Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, is infamously known as the traitor who betrayed Jesus, leading to His arrest and crucifixion. His actions have made his name synonymous with betrayal and treachery throughout Christian history.Background and Role as an Apostle Judas Iscariot was the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71) and was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:4). Despite his privileged position as a close follower of Christ, Judas harbored a secretive and deceitful nature. He was entrusted with the group's money bag, serving as the treasurer for the disciples (John 12:6). However, the Gospel of John reveals that Judas was dishonest, often stealing from the funds he was supposed to manage (John 12:6). The Betrayal The most defining act of Judas's life was his betrayal of Jesus. The Gospels recount that Judas went to the chief priests and agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act fulfilled the prophecy found in Zechariah 11:12-13, which speaks of the thirty pieces of silver. Judas's betrayal was premeditated and calculated, as he sought an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the authorities away from the crowds (Luke 22:6). During the Last Supper, Jesus openly acknowledged the impending betrayal, stating, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me" (Matthew 26:21). Despite the disciples' confusion and sorrow, Judas's identity as the betrayer was revealed when Jesus handed him a piece of bread, saying, "What you are about to do, do quickly" (John 13:27). Judas then left to carry out his treacherous plan. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 26:47). He identified Jesus to the arresting party with a kiss, a gesture that has since become emblematic of betrayal (Matthew 26:48-49). Aftermath and Death Overcome with remorse after witnessing Jesus's condemnation, 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 repentance was not met with forgiveness, and the religious leaders dismissed his guilt. In despair, Judas threw the silver into the temple and went away to hang himself (Matthew 27:5). The book of Acts provides additional details about Judas's death, describing a field purchased with the betrayal money, known as the Field of Blood, where Judas met a gruesome end (Acts 1:18-19). This field, bought with the price of betrayal, fulfilled another prophecy found in Jeremiah 19:1-13. Theological Implications Judas's betrayal raises profound theological questions about free will, divine sovereignty, and the nature of sin. While Judas's actions were foreknown and prophesied, he acted out of his own volition, driven by greed and disillusionment. His life serves as a solemn warning about the dangers of hypocrisy, unchecked sin, and the rejection of Christ's lordship. Judas Iscariot's legacy is a stark reminder of the human capacity for betrayal and the tragic consequences of turning away from the truth. His account is a call to vigilance and faithfulness for all believers, emphasizing the importance of genuine repentance and the transformative power of God's grace. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:14-16,46-50Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, Nave's Topical Index Mark 14:10,11,43-45 Luke 22:3-6,21-23,47,48 John 13:2,27-30 John 18:2-8,13 Greek 2469. Iskariotes -- Iscariot, surname of Judas and his father ... Of Hebrew origin (probably 'iysh and qirya'); inhabitant of Kerioth; Iscariotes (ie Keriothite), an epithet of Judas the traitor -- Iscariot. see HEBREW 'iysh. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2469.htm - 6k Library Petilianus Said: "Can it be that the Traitor Judas Hung Himself ... Therapius of Bulla Said: "If a Man Gives up and Betrays the ... Judas, the Traitor. Chapter 35. The Despair of Judas The Traitor Judas Exposed. On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. (On the Passion, vii. ) Petilianus Said: "We must Consider, I Say... Resources How did Jeremiah die? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the order of Jesus' calling His disciples different in some of the gospels? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die? | GotQuestions.org Traitor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |