Who Was Judas Iscariot? A Biblical Guide to the Apostle Who Betrayed Jesus
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is infamously known in the Bible for betraying Jesus to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver, an act which led directly to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. His story, recorded in the Gospels, serves as a solemn warning about greed, despair, and the eternal consequences of turning away from God’s grace.
Few names in biblical history evoke such a visceral reaction as Judas Iscariot. His story is one of profound tragedy, a chilling reminder of the destructive power of betrayal, and an undeniable link in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. From his inclusion among the chosen Twelve to his infamous act, Judas Iscariot remains an enigma, prompting questions about human nature, divine sovereignty, and the true cost of spiritual compromise.
On Just Jesus Time, we turn to the authoritative Word of God to understand not just who Judas was, but the eternal lessons embedded in his narrative. This article aims to provide a clear, biblical guide to the life and actions of Judas in the Bible, from his calling as an apostle to the pivotal role he played in the Passion of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We will prayerfully examine the motivations behind his actions, the sorrowful consequences, and how his story ultimately points back to the unwavering love and ultimate victory of our Savior, who willingly laid down His life for us (John 10:18).
Join us as we journey through the scriptures, piecing together the events surrounding Judas Iscariot, the man whose name is synonymous with treachery. Our exploration will not only illuminate the historical facts but also offer profound insights for our own walk of faith, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our devotion to Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Who Was Judas Iscariot in the Bible?
One of the Twelve Chosen Apostles
Judas Iscariot held a unique and ultimately tragic place among the twelve apostles chosen by our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, in His divine wisdom, personally selected Judas to be part of His inner circle. This selection is a profound mystery. It reminds us of God’s sovereign plan. Jesus knew the hearts of all men. He knew Judas’s future. Yet, He called him to walk alongside Him.
The Gospels clearly list Judas Iscariot among the chosen twelve (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). He witnessed Jesus’s miracles. He heard His powerful teachings. He was entrusted with the same authority as the other apostles. This included preaching the Gospel. It also meant casting out demons. For a time, Judas was a direct participant in Jesus’s earthly ministry. He was present for foundational moments. This makes his eventual betrayal even more sobering. It serves as a stark warning. True faith goes beyond mere proximity to Christ.
The Treasurer with a Divided Heart (John 12:6)
Beyond his role as an apostle, Judas Iscariot had a specific responsibility. He served as the group’s treasurer. The disciples entrusted him with their common purse. This role is revealed in scripture. John’s Gospel gives us a telling insight into Judas’s character. Indeed, John 12:6 reveals a disturbing truth about Judas: “He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief and as keeper of the money bag used to help himself to what was put into it.”
This verse exposes Judas’s divided heart. Outwardly, he appeared dedicated. He walked with Jesus. He managed their finances. Inwardly, however, greed had taken root. He harbored a secret sin. He regularly stole from the common fund. This pre-existing moral compromise is crucial. It shows that his ultimate betrayal did not come from nowhere. It grew from a heart already prone to deceit. This internal struggle highlights a vital lesson. We must guard our hearts against sin. Even seemingly small compromises can lead to great spiritual downfall. Judas’s position as treasurer, coupled with his hidden sin, sets the stage. It foreshadows the greater act of betrayal to come. His heart was not fully devoted to Jesus. Instead, it served another master: money.
What exactly did Judas do?
The Agreement to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16)
Judas Iscariot held a unique position among the twelve apostles. He served as their treasurer. However, his heart was not fully committed to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. At a critical moment, Judas made a chilling decision. He approached the chief priests.
These religious leaders were actively seeking a way to seize Jesus without causing a public disturbance. Judas offered them precisely what they desired. He asked, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” (Matthew 26:15).
Their response was swift. They counted out thirty pieces of silver for him. This was a predetermined sum. It held deep significance in Old Testament prophecy, notably being the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32) [1]. From that moment, Judas sought a convenient opportunity. He planned to betray Jesus when no crowds were present (Matthew 26:16).
This treacherous agreement highlights the gravity of Judas’s choice. It shows a heart turning away from the light of Christ. It reveals a deliberate step into the shadows of sin.
The Betrayal with a Kiss (Luke 22:47-48)
The time for betrayal arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had just prayed, submitting His will to the Father. He knew what was coming. Judas, the betrayer, then appeared. He led a large crowd, armed with swords and clubs (Matthew 26:47).
This group was sent by the chief priests and elders. Judas had arranged a signal with them. He told them, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him” (Mark 14:44). A kiss is typically a sign of affection and respect. Yet, Judas used it as a tool of ultimate treachery. He approached Jesus directly. Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” (Matthew 26:49).
Then he kissed Him. Jesus looked at Judas with profound sorrow. He asked, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48 [2]). This moment is heartbreaking. It underscores the depth of Judas’s betrayal. Jesus, in His divine knowledge, understood the full weight of the act. He willingly submitted to God’s sovereign plan. His sacrifice for us was about to begin.
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
Greed and the Thirty Pieces of Silver
Many wonder, “Why did Judas betray Jesus?” The Bible clearly points to greed as a primary motivator for Judas Iscariot. This apostle, chosen by Jesus Himself, held the position of treasurer among the disciples. However, his heart was not pure.
John’s Gospel reveals Judas’s true character. He was a thief, often stealing from the money bag entrusted to him (John 12:6). This demonstrates a deep-seated love for money, rather than for the Lord he followed.
His betrayal was ultimately sealed with a financial transaction. Judas approached the chief priests and offered to hand over Jesus. He asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” (Matthew 26:15). They agreed upon a specific sum: thirty pieces of silver. This amount was the price of a slave in ancient Israel, as referenced in Exodus 21:32. This paltry sum shows how little Judas valued his Lord, choosing worldly gain over divine truth. [3]
Jesus Himself warned about the dangers of covetousness. He taught, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Judas’s choice sadly illustrates this profound truth. His actions serve as a stark warning against allowing material desires to overshadow spiritual devotion.
Satan’s Influence (Luke 22:3)
While greed certainly played a significant role, the Bible also reveals a darker, spiritual force at work behind Judas’s betrayal. Scripture states, “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve” (Luke 22:3). This was not merely a moment of temptation; it was a profound spiritual invasion.
Satan, the adversary of God and humanity, actively sought to thwart God’s redemptive plan. By influencing Judas, he aimed to deliver Jesus into the hands of His enemies. This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare that often underpins human actions. Even among Jesus’s closest followers, the devil sought an opportunity.
However, it is crucial to understand that Satan’s influence does not negate Judas’s personal responsibility. Judas had free will. He made a conscious choice to open himself to evil, allowing greed to fester in his heart. The devil exploits existing weaknesses. He cannot force someone to sin without their consent. Judas’s heart was already predisposed to sin, making him a willing vessel for Satan’s malicious plan (John 13:2).
This event reminds us of the constant spiritual battle. We must remain vigilant and rooted in Christ. Our Lord Jesus, through His sacrifice, has triumphed over Satan and all evil forces. He offers us protection and victory through faith (1 John 4:4).
The Fulfillment of Prophecy (Psalm 41:9)
Perhaps the most profound reason for Judas’s betrayal, from God’s perspective, is the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Long before Judas was born, the Scriptures foretold that the Messiah would be betrayed by a close companion. This reveals God’s perfect sovereignty over all events, even the darkest betrayals.
One powerful prophecy is found in Psalm 41:9: “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” Jesus Himself applied this scripture to Judas during the Last Supper (John 13:18). Another prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-13 even specifies the price: “Then I said to them, ‘If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.’ And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver.” This was fulfilled when Judas received his payment for betrayal and later returned it, leading to the purchase of the potter’s field (Matthew 27:6-10).
These prophecies confirm that Jesus’s betrayal was not an accident. It was part of God’s divine plan for salvation. God’s foreknowledge means He knew every detail before it happened. This does not, however, excuse Judas’s actions. Judas still made a willful choice. God sovereignly orchestrated events, yet humanity retains responsibility for its choices. [4]
Ultimately, Judas’s betrayal, though a terrible sin, served a greater purpose. It was a necessary step towards the cross, where Jesus, the Son of God, would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Every aspect of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection perfectly aligns with God’s eternal plan, affirming His divine identity and His mission to save humanity.
What was the sin of Judas?
The Act of Betrayal
Judas Iscariot, a chosen apostle of Jesus Christ, committed an act of profound sin. His betrayal of the Son of God remains one of history’s most tragic and significant events. Judas deliberately delivered Jesus into the hands of His enemies. This was a calculated choice, made for a mere thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).
Furthermore, Judas identified Jesus to the Roman soldiers and Jewish authorities with a kiss. This universal sign of affection was twisted into an act of ultimate deceit (Luke 22:47-48). Therefore, his sin was not a moment of weakness or impulsive error. Instead, it was a willful, premeditated decision to hand over an innocent, divine being for personal gain. This act stands as a stark warning about the corrupting power of greed and misplaced loyalty.
The Sin of Despair vs. Peter’s Repentance
Judas’s story teaches us a vital lesson about the nature of sin and God’s mercy. After his betrayal, Judas experienced deep remorse (Matthew 27:3). He even attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver. However, his sorrow did not lead to true repentance. Instead, it spiraled into despair. Despair, in a theological sense, is a refusal to believe in God’s power to forgive, even for the gravest sins.
As a result, Judas tragically took his own life (Matthew 27:5). This desperate act demonstrated a profound lack of faith in God’s limitless mercy and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. The distinction between mere remorse and true repentance is a crucial theological concept [5]. Remorse may lead only to self-pity or despair, while repentance leads to turning back to God.
Consider Peter’s parallel experience. Peter, another apostle, also committed a grave sin by denying Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). His failure was deeply painful. Yet, Peter’s sorrow led to bitter tears of repentance (Luke 22:62). He did not succumb to despair. Instead, he trusted in Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Later, after Christ’s resurrection, Jesus lovingly restored Peter, reaffirming his call to ministry (John 21:15-19).
This contrast is central to our faith. It shows that while sin is grave, God’s grace and forgiveness are infinitely greater (Romans 5:20). True repentance involves a heartfelt turning to Christ, trusting fully in His atoning sacrifice. It affirms that no sin is beyond God’s power to forgive for those who genuinely seek Him.
What happened to Judas Iscariot after betraying Jesus?
His Remorse and Attempt to Return the Money (Matthew 27:3-4)
Judas Iscariot’s actions led to a tragic end. After betraying Jesus, a profound shift occurred within him. He was overcome with bitter remorse. The weight of his sin became unbearable.
According to Matthew 27:3-4, Judas saw that Jesus had been condemned. This realization deeply troubled his soul. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. Judas confessed, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” His words acknowledged Jesus’ purity. The religious leaders, however, dismissed his agony. They replied, “What is that to us? You bear the responsibility!”
This moment reveals Judas’s immense regret. He recognized the terrible wrong he had done. However, his remorse was not true repentance. True repentance leads to turning towards God for forgiveness. It embraces His grace. Judas, instead, turned inward. His actions showed deep despair. He did not seek the Lord’s mercy. This distinction is crucial for understanding his fate. His regret brought only despair, not redemption. This stands in stark contrast to Peter’s later repentance after denying Jesus.
His Tragic Death (Matthew 27:5, Acts 1:18)
Overwhelmed by guilt, Judas took desperate action. He threw the silver pieces into the temple. Then, he went away and tragically took his own life. Matthew 27:5 states he “hanged himself.”
Another biblical account offers further detail. Acts 1:18 describes Judas’s fate. It says, “Falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.” These accounts are not contradictory. Rather, they complement each other. Judas likely hanged himself from a high place. Subsequently, his body may have fallen. This fall resulted in the gruesome outcome described in Acts.
The money Judas returned was blood money. The chief priests could not put it into the temple treasury. Instead, they used it to buy the Potter’s Field. This field served as a burial ground for foreigners. It became known as the “Field of Blood.” [6] This name, Aceldama, forever marks Judas’s tragic choice. It stands as a stark reminder. God’s Word had prophesied this event centuries earlier (Zechariah 11:12-13).
Judas Iscariot’s story is a somber warning. It highlights the devastating consequences of sin. It also underscores the danger of despair. Even in the face of immense guilt, Jesus offers hope. His sacrifice covers all sin. Judas’s story contrasts sharply with Peter’s denial. Peter also sinned greatly. Yet, Peter truly repented. He found forgiveness and restoration through Christ. Judas, however, succumbed to despair. This ultimately led to his tragic end, a powerful lesson about the destructive nature of unrepentant guilt and the eternal hope found only in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Are there two Judas in the Bible?
The name “Judas” carries a heavy weight in Christian understanding. Consequently, many believers rightly ask if there was only one Judas in the Bible. The answer, from Scripture, is clear: yes, there were indeed two distinct individuals named Judas among Jesus’ closest followers.
Understanding this distinction is vital. It helps us avoid confusion and appreciate the unique story of each man.
Judas Iscariot, the Betrayer
When most people hear the name “Judas,” they immediately think of Judas Iscariot. He is undeniably the most infamous figure bearing this name. Judas Iscariot was one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 10:4). He served as the group’s treasurer (John 12:6).
However, his heart was tragically divided. Ultimately, he became the instrument of betrayal. He delivered Jesus to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). His actions led directly to Jesus’ crucifixion. His story serves as a sobering warning against greed and spiritual deceit.
The name “Iscariot” specifically identifies him. This often refers to a man from Kerioth, a town in Judea. This distinction helps to set him apart from others named Judas in the biblical record.
Judas (not Iscariot), Son of James
It may surprise some to learn that another apostle was also named Judas. The Gospels and the book of Acts clearly identify him. This faithful follower is often referred to as “Judas (not Iscariot)” to prevent any confusion with the betrayer (John 14:22). He was also known by other names in Scripture.
For example, in Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18, he is called Thaddaeus. He is also sometimes referred to as Lebbaeus. Luke 6:16 plainly lists him among the twelve apostles as “Judas son of James.”
This Judas remained loyal to Jesus. He faithfully served Him throughout His ministry. He was present with the other apostles after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:13). Unlike Judas Iscariot, this Judas was a devoted disciple. He was a man committed to the Lord.
Therefore, when we read the Bible, it is crucial to recognize these two individuals. One represents ultimate betrayal. The other stands as a testament to faithful discipleship. Both bore the same common name. However, their lives and legacies could not be more different.
What does being a ‘Judas’ mean today?
A Symbol of Ultimate Betrayal
The name “Judas” has become universally synonymous with the most profound act of treachery imaginable. Indeed, when someone is labeled a “Judas,” it signifies an ultimate betrayal of trust and loyalty. This stems directly from Judas Iscariot’s actions against Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Judas was one of the twelve chosen apostles. He walked with Jesus, heard His teachings, and witnessed His miracles. Despite this intimate relationship, he chose to deliver Jesus into the hands of His enemies for a paltry sum. Matthew 26:15 recounts, “And he said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” This act of selling the Son of God remains the darkest betrayal in human history.
Therefore, today, calling someone a “Judas” evokes the deepest sense of perfidy. It speaks to a profound breach of faith, loyalty, and sacred trust. It reminds us of the terrible consequences when personal gain or malice overwhelms allegiance to what is true and righteous.
A Warning Against False Faith
Beyond being a symbol of betrayal, the story of Judas serves as a potent warning against false or superficial faith. Judas Iscariot outwardly appeared to be a follower of Jesus. He was part of the inner circle. However, his heart was not truly committed to Christ.
The Bible reveals Judas’s true character. John 12:6 states that Judas, who was the treasurer, “did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the moneybag he used to pilfer what was put into it.” His motive was not love for God, but personal greed. This reveals a dangerous disconnect between outward religious activity and inward spiritual reality.
Consequently, Judas’s story compels us to examine our own hearts. True faith is not merely attendance or participation in religious duties; rather, it is a complete surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord. It involves genuine repentance, belief, and a transformed life (Romans 10:9-10). We must ask ourselves whether our faith is truly rooted in Christ or if it is merely an outward show, as tragically exemplified by Judas Iscariot. The Lord Himself warned in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Judas’s legacy is a sobering reminder to pursue authentic faith, wholly devoted to Jesus Christ, lest we too fall into the snare of a divided heart.
What Does the Bible Say About Judas Iscariot?
A Necessary Part of God’s Sovereign Plan
Understanding Judas Iscariot in the Bible requires looking at God’s profound sovereignty. Indeed, even Judas’s devastating act of betrayal served a crucial, preordained purpose. The Scriptures make it clear that this event was not an accident. Rather, it was woven into God’s divine tapestry of salvation.
Centuries before Jesus walked the earth, prophecies foretold the betrayal by a close companion. For instance, Psalm 41:9 states, “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” Jesus Himself acknowledged this prophecy’s fulfillment in His own life (John 13:18). Therefore, He knew Judas would betray Him.
However, God’s foreknowledge is distinct from coercion. God does not force human actions. Instead, He perfectly knows what choices individuals will make. Furthermore, He sovereignly orchestrates all events, including human sin, to achieve His righteous and redemptive plans.
Judas’s betrayal directly led to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. This painful, yet essential, act paved the way for our salvation. Jesus willingly surrendered to this path. He died on the cross for the sins of all humanity (John 3:16). Ultimately, His death and glorious resurrection conquered sin and death forever. In this way, Judas’s evil act, though born of his own free will, played a vital part in God’s grand design. It facilitated the greatest rescue mission in human history, affirming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Sobering Lesson on Free Will and Consequence
While God incorporated Judas’s betrayal into His sovereign plan, it is crucial to remember Judas remained fully accountable. His choices were his own, stemming from his heart. The Bible plainly reveals Judas harbored deep-seated greed (John 12:6). This destructive sin tragically opened his heart to Satan’s influence (Luke 22:3).
Consequently, Judas made the deliberate decision to betray Jesus. He sought and accepted thirty pieces of silver for his heinous act (Matthew 26:14-16). Afterward, he experienced profound remorse (Matthew 27:3). However, this remorse differed greatly from true, godly repentance.
Consider the contrast with Peter’s denial of Jesus. Peter also sinned grievously by denying Christ three times. Yet, Peter genuinely repented, weeping bitterly over his actions (Luke 22:61-62). Peter ultimately turned back to Jesus, receiving forgiveness and full restoration. On the other hand, Judas fell into utter despair, tragically taking his own life (Matthew 27:5).
This stark difference offers a powerful, sobering lesson for us today. Our free will is a profound gift, but it carries immense responsibility. Our choices, especially concerning our faith, have eternal consequences. We are called to actively choose to follow Christ. Moreover, we must genuinely repent when we fall short.
Jesus Christ offers abundant forgiveness to all who confess their sins and believe in Him. His grace is boundless, and His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Therefore, Judas’s story serves as a grave warning against hardening our hearts to Christ. Instead, let us embrace Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the only path to eternal life and true redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judas
Did Judas go to heaven?
This is a profound and somber question for many believers. The Bible offers a clear, though heartbreaking, answer regarding Judas Iscariot’s eternal destiny. Jesus Himself spoke of Judas, referring to him as “the son of perdition” (John 17:12). This term indicates a person destined for destruction. Furthermore, Jesus stated that it would have been better for Judas if he had never been born (Matthew 26:24, Mark 14:21). Such powerful words strongly suggest a lost eternal state for Judas.
Judas did experience remorse after betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:3). However, this was not true, godly repentance. His sorrow led him to despair rather than to seek God’s forgiveness and mercy. In contrast, Peter also denied Jesus, but he repented deeply and was restored (Luke 22:61-62). Judas, sadly, chose to take his own life (Matthew 27:5). This act sealed his tragic fate. The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). It also requires repentance and acceptance of His sacrifice. Judas’s actions and ultimate end reveal a heart that did not fully embrace this path of salvation.
Why did Jesus not forgive Judas?
It is vital to understand God’s boundless grace and unfailing love. Jesus *would have* forgiven Judas if Judas had truly repented and sought His mercy. Our Savior’s heart is always open to forgiveness for those who turn to Him (1 John 1:9). Therefore, the issue was not a lack of willingness on Jesus’s part. Rather, it was Judas’s failure to seek genuine, faith-filled forgiveness. He experienced profound regret and guilt. Yet, this regret morphed into despair, not humble repentance unto salvation.
True repentance involves turning away from sin. It includes seeking God’s mercy through faith in Christ. Judas felt immense shame. He even tried to return the thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 27:3-4). This showed a form of worldly sorrow. However, it lacked the crucial element of faith in Jesus’s power to save and forgive. Peter’s denial of Jesus was a terrible sin. Nevertheless, Peter wept bitterly and truly turned back to Christ, finding forgiveness (Luke 22:61-62). Judas, sadly, chose a path of self-destruction. He did not turn to the One who offers infinite grace. Jesus died to forgive all sins. However, that forgiveness must be received through faith and true repentance.
What is the meaning of Iscariot?
The name “Iscariot” serves as a critical identifier for Judas in the biblical narrative. It helps to distinguish him from other individuals named Judas in the Bible. For example, there was Judas (not Iscariot), who was another one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:16). Most biblical scholars agree that “Iscariot” likely means “man from Kerioth” [7].
Kerioth was a town located in Judea. This makes Judas Iscariot the only apostle specifically identified with a Judean hometown. All the other apostles were from Galilee. This geographical distinction helps us to understand his origins. It effectively sets him apart within the apostolic group.
Sources
- https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g694/kjv/tr/0-1/
- https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A48&version=ESV
- https://www.biblesupport.com/topic/3638-value-of-30-pieces-of-silver/
- https://www.gotquestions.org/Judas-betray-Jesus.html
- https://www.ligonier.org/
- https://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/aceldama.html
- https://www.bibleodyssey.org/passages/main-topics/kerioth/