Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: Judas Iscariot is one of the most infamous figures in the New Testament, known primarily for his role as the betrayer of Jesus Christ. He was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and is often remembered for his tragic end and the fulfillment of prophetic scripture through his actions.
Name and Background: The name "Judas" is derived from the Hebrew name Judah, meaning "praise." "Iscariot" is often interpreted as "man of Kerioth," suggesting that Judas may have been from the town of Kerioth in Judea. This would make him the only apostle from Judea, as the others were Galileans.
Role as an Apostle: Judas Iscariot was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, a position of great honor and responsibility. As an apostle, Judas was entrusted with the group's finances, serving as the treasurer. The Gospel of John notes, however, that Judas was dishonest with the money, stating, "He was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it" (
John 12:6).
The Betrayal: Judas's most significant and notorious act 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. This act of betrayal was prophesied in the Old Testament, as seen in
Zechariah 11:12-13 and echoed in the New Testament. During the Last Supper, Jesus foretold the betrayal, saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me" (
John 13:21). Despite the warning, Judas proceeded with his plan.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers with a kiss, a prearranged signal. This act of betrayal led to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The Gospel of Matthew records Judas's remorse, stating, "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" (
Matthew 27:3).
Death of Judas: The accounts of Judas's death vary slightly between the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.
Matthew 27:5 states, "So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself" . In
Acts 1:18, it is described that Judas "fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out" . These accounts highlight the tragic and violent end of Judas's life, serving as a somber reminder of the consequences of his actions.
Theological Implications: Judas Iscariot's betrayal is a complex event with deep theological implications. It fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and played a crucial role in the divine plan of salvation through Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Judas's actions are often discussed in the context of free will, divine foreknowledge, and the nature of repentance and forgiveness.
Legacy: Judas Iscariot's legacy is one of caution and reflection. His name has become synonymous with betrayal and treachery. His account serves as a warning about the dangers of greed, the consequences of sin, and the importance of true repentance. Despite his close proximity to Jesus and the teachings he received, Judas's choices led to his downfall, illustrating the profound impact of personal decisions in the spiritual journey.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 26:14-16,21-25,47-50Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,
Nave's Topical IndexMatthew 27:3-5
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Nave's Topical Index
John 12:4-6
Then said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
Nave's Topical Index
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.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The True Christian Life
And Judas Iscariot. ... three texts give us a complete picture of a true Christian life. ...
Here the priests made themselves clean, and they could not minister in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the true christian life.htm
Definiteness of Purpose in Christian Work
And Judas Iscariot. ... at least remind them of Christ, something is wrong with our
Christian experience ... A father and his boy heard a minister preach a sermon on the ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/definiteness of purpose in christian.htm
And Judas Iscariot
... I have in mind a minister, who once thrilled great ... to the sixth verses we read that
Satan entered into Judas. ... and he said, "I used to be a Christian worker and ...
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The Lost Opportunity
And Judas Iscariot. ... I. These opportunities for doing good come to the one who is
a Christian. ... The minister was inclined to speak about his soul, but did not. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the lost opportunity.htm
First Ministry in Jud??a --John's Second Testimony.
... we know but few, such as Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Simeon, and Judas Iscariot]; and
there he ... The Christian minister finds the increase of his work the same as the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxv first ministry in judaeajohns.htm
A Changed Life
And Judas Iscariot. ... That minister who has lost his old power and is therefore an
enigma to his ... below, and in this way she is like many a Christian attempting to ...
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An Obscured vision
And Judas Iscariot. ... will notice if you have watched the suggestions of these Christian
workers that ... not long ago of one who called himself a minister, and he ...
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The Compassion of Jesus
And Judas Iscariot. ... was in the army years ago I promised God that I would be a Christian. ...
come to thee send some one to speak to me." When the minister came the ...
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A Reasonable Service
And Judas Iscariot. ... In one of our western cities a minister told me recently of a
young man ... he said: "I have for a long time wanted to be a Christian and was ...
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Five Kings in a Cave
And Judas Iscariot. ... old Christian he knew and said, "If I could be such a Christian
as that I would come to Christ." He went to tell the minister, and the ...
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