Topical Bible: The Death of the Wicked: Judas

Bible > Topical > The Death of the Wicked

◄ The Death of the Wicked: Judas ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a central figure in the narrative of the betrayal and subsequent crucifixion of Jesus. His actions and their consequences are pivotal in the New Testament, serving as a profound example of betrayal, remorse, and the tragic end of a life that turned away from righteousness.

Biblical Account

Judas Iscariot is introduced in the Gospels as one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. He is often identified as the one who would betray Jesus, a role that is foreshadowed in several passages. The Gospel of John notes, "He spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray Him" (John 6:71).

The betrayal itself is detailed in the Synoptic Gospels. Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14-16 states, "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."

During the Last Supper, Jesus acknowledges the impending betrayal, saying, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me" (Matthew 26:21). Despite the disciples' confusion and denial, Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer, instructing him, "What you are about to do, do quickly" (John 13:27).

The Death of Judas

The remorse and subsequent death of Judas are recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and the Book of Acts, though with differing details. Matthew 27:3-5 describes Judas's regret: "When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,' he said. 'What is that to us?' they replied. 'You bear the responsibility.' So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself."

In Acts 1:18-19 , a different account is provided: "With the reward for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; and there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood."

Theological Implications

Judas's death is often viewed as a tragic consequence of his betrayal and rejection of Christ. His remorse, though profound, did not lead to repentance and reconciliation with God. Instead, it culminated in despair and self-destruction. This serves as a stark warning about the dangers of sin, the deceitfulness of riches, and the ultimate cost of turning away from the truth.

The narrative of Judas also raises questions about free will, divine foreknowledge, and the nature of repentance. While Judas's actions fulfilled prophetic Scripture, as noted in Psalm 41:9 and referenced in John 13:18 , his personal responsibility and the choices he made are emphasized throughout the Gospel accounts.

Conclusion

The account of Judas Iscariot remains a powerful testament to the consequences of betrayal and the importance of genuine repentance. His life and death are a sobering reminder of the spiritual peril that accompanies the rejection of Christ and the pursuit of worldly gain.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 27:5
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 1:18
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Judges Said: Speak to those Points, Archelaus, which He Has ...
... That wicked one, however, in ignorance of the meaning ... dispensation of this kind,
entered into Judas, thinking to ... as before he had put righteous Abel to death. ...
/.../30 the judges said speak.htm

The Preacher and the Enemy
... I was obedient unto death, the death of the ... to endure not only the company of His
beloved disciple John, and His faithful Peter, but also of the wicked Judas.". ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter lvii the preacher and.htm

John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... Peter's partaking was unto life, but that of Judas unto death ... sweet savor, so also
does the good bread give life to the good, and bring death to the wicked. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate l john chapter xi.htm

Of the Three Kinds of Things There are in the World; viz. , Good ...
... dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints:" [1375] but of that of
Judas and men like him "The death of the wicked is very evil." [1376] And how ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii of the three.htm

Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator ...
... 7. Accordingly the king sent to Judas, and to those that ... of Syria, and there had
him put to death, when he had ... He had been a wicked and an impious man; and, in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the death.htm

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... thy own grievous sins together, and addest unto those the sins of Cain and Judas,
and puttest ... 126] As I live, I desire not the death of the wicked, but that ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And
... to the king and the Macedonians, as Judas had been ... for receiving satisfaction from
them for his death, they made ... But when the deserters and the wicked saw that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how jonathan took.htm

How the City Jerusalem was Taken, and the Temple Pillaged [By ...
... and the most approved among them were put to death. ... sufferers by the extremity of
his wicked doings to ... then died, leaving the government to Judas, his eldest ...
/.../chapter 1 how the city.htm

Judas and his Band.
... time he felt an extraordinary interior fear of the death of the ... the other, insinuate
to some of their number that Judas was a wicked; despicable character ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter ii judas and his.htm

How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ...
... From The Death Of Alexander The Great To The Death Of Judas Maccabeus ... as he was able,
and joined to it the runagate and wicked Jews, and came against Judas. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how judas overthrew.htm