Topical Bible: Repentance: Judas

◄ Repentance: Judas ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Repentance is a central theme in Christian theology, often associated with a sincere turning away from sin and a return to God. The account of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, presents a complex and tragic example of repentance—or the lack thereof. Judas is best known for betraying Jesus, an act that led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. The narrative of Judas' actions and his subsequent remorse is found in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Acts.

Biblical Account

Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This act of betrayal was prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament narrative.

After Jesus was arrested, Judas experienced deep remorse for his actions. Matthew 27:3-5 states, "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."

Nature of Judas' Repentance

The account of Judas' remorse raises questions about the nature and sincerity of his repentance. While Judas acknowledged his sin and returned the blood money, his actions did not lead to a restoration of his relationship with God. Instead, his despair culminated in suicide, suggesting a lack of hope and faith in God's forgiveness.

In contrast to the repentance exemplified by other biblical figures, such as King David or the Apostle Peter, Judas' response to his sin did not involve seeking God's mercy or forgiveness. David, after his sin with Bathsheba, cried out to God for a clean heart and a renewed spirit (Psalm 51). Peter, who denied Jesus three times, wept bitterly but later reaffirmed his love for Christ and was restored (John 21:15-17).

Theological Implications

Judas' account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of genuine repentance. His failure to seek God's forgiveness highlights the necessity of turning to God in faith, even after grievous sin. The New Testament emphasizes that true repentance involves not only remorse but also a transformation of heart and mind, leading to a renewed relationship with God.

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, distinguishes between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Judas' sorrow, characterized by despair and self-destruction, contrasts with the godly sorrow that leads to life and redemption.

Conclusion

The account of Judas Iscariot's betrayal and subsequent remorse is a profound narrative that underscores the complexity of repentance. While Judas recognized his sin, his response lacked the essential elements of faith and hope in God's redemptive power. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrepentant sin and the critical importance of seeking God's forgiveness through genuine repentance.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 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

Acts 1:16,18
Men and brothers, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Repentance
... He then concludes he is a true penitent, because he has felt some bitterness in
sin, but this is not repentance. Judas had some trouble of mind. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm

Judas Iscariot
... III. The repentance of Judas is alleged as the sign of a superior spirit.
Certainly it is an indication of the goodness which he ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ix judas iscariot.htm

Repentance and Impenitence.
... as in Matthew 21:29, "He answered and said, I will not; but afterwards he repented
and went." It is used to represent the repentance of Judas, which evidently ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxiv repentance and impenitence.htm

The Christ of M. Renan.
... had his head turned by the foolish coveting of a few pieces of silver," and the
attempt is made to absolve him on the ground of his repentance: "Judas," we are ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the christ of m renan.htm

Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold.
... the word "betray" Jesus revealed to Judas that he had perfect knowledge of the peculiar
crime which he was about to commit. To induce repentance the enormity ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxix judas betrayal and peters.htm

In the Next Place, that He was Betrayed by those whom He Called ...
... But if this covetous Judas, who also stole the money placed in the bag for ... the
instructions of Jesus had been able to produce some feeling of repentance in his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xi in the next.htm

On Penitence
... favour the penitent sinner.5. QUERIES. " Is the repentance of Judas properly
called legal? 6. Was the penitence or repentance ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on penitence.htm

"In Remembrance of Me"
... Until this step was taken, Judas had not passed beyond the possibility
of repentance. But when he left the presence of his Lord ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 72 in remembrance of.htm

The Despair of Judas
... beg do die with him,"not to confess his fault with true repentance before God ... their
haughty countenances, on which a smile of irony was visible, upon Judas. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xiv the despair of.htm

Repentance
... his guilt lest he should lose his life; but there was no genuine repentance for
sin, no conversion of purpose, no abhorrence of evil. Judas Iscariot, after ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm