Apostle Judas

Why Judas betrayed Jesus

Christianity Oasis provides the Apostle Judas Iscariot in the Bible study on the Judas Iscariot story and reveals why Judas betrayed Jesus.

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The Apostle Judas Iscariot Story

Why Judas Betrayed Jesus Explained

If you prefer to begin our journey into the Apostle Judas Iscariot story, let's begin by explaining the reason why Judas betrayed Jesus. The truth within the story of the Apostle Judas Iscariot in the Bible will bring the light of truth upon this extremely intriguing topic.

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The Apostle Judas Iscariot

Apostle Judas Iscariot Story Truth

Reason Why Judas Betrayed Jesus

Judas was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Judas "held the purse" or the bag for the apostles. That means that he was in charge of their money and paid for things. He was also a thief. That means he stole money from the bag. The people wanted to kill Jesus, because He said He was the Son of God, and they didn't believe Him.

So, Satan got into Judas Iscariot and Judas made a deal with the chief priests and captains of the Jews, that for 30 pieces of silver, he would take them to Jesus. Later, Judas hanged himself when he realized what a bad thing he had done, and that Jesus really was who He said He was.

Judas Iscariot ... Even the name Judas Iscariot brings thoughts of anger and even hatred to the hearts of most of those who know of the Judas Bible story. Most Christians wholeheartedly despise Judas Iscariot because he betrayed our Lord for money. Judas sinned against our Lord. Of this, there is no question.

Therefore, the question is not ... Did the Apostle Judas Iscariot sin against Jesus. That is a given. The real question becomes ... Is Judas Iscariot in hell now? Most would give a resounding, yes. But, what is the truth of this matter? Let us look into the Apostle Judas Iscariot story for the reason why Judas betrayed Jesus.

Now most are very familiar with this horrible part of the Judas Iscariot Bible story-line, so we will begin our Judas Bible study right there, at least for right now. Judas had made a deal with the chief priests of the time to betray Jesus and deliver Him to them for 30 pieces of silver.

Matthew 26:15

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him [Jesus] unto you? And they [Chief priests] covenanted with him [Judas] for thirty pieces of silver.

Judas agreed that he would take them to where Jesus and the Apostles were at one evening and that Judas would approach Jesus and kiss Him which would identify who Jesus was to the chief priests and guards who went with Judas to capture Jesus.

Luke 22:47-48

⁴⁷ And while He [Jesus] yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him.
⁴⁸ But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Yes, one can easily understand why so many Christians despise this Biblical Judas Iscariot Bible villain and may even imagine Judas Iscariot In Hell. But, is he?

Most believe Judas Iscariot as being a soul that is condemned to Hell and then the Lake of fire to be eternally tortured. After all, he did commit a horrible act against Jesus. But, I gotta ask you ... Is it not written that Satan entered Judas and this is why Judas did what he did?

Luke 22:3

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Apostle Judas Iscariot Story Woe

Prophetic Reason Why Judas Betrayed Jesus

Is Judas Iscariot In Hell? Was this horrific act not Satan's deed performed through Judas Iscariot? Much like it occurs all the time and even now, even with Christians. Maybe even with you in various ways.

Yes ... The devil entered into Judas Iscariot and Judas made a deal for thirty pieces of silver, to turn Jesus over to the chief priests to be crucified.

Luke 22:4-6

⁴ And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
⁵ And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
⁶ And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

But, we must remember this truth. Why Judas betrayed Jesus? This event was prophecy ... It was previously foretold by the Lord. You will soon discover that it was God's plan as well. Judas Iscariot was but a chess piece. This act which Satan committed through Judas Iscariot was foretold by prophets before the act. So, is Judas Iscariot In Hell?

Zechariah 11:12-13

¹² And I [The Lord] said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
¹³ And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was priced at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.

Matthew 27:9

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

Did not Jesus prophesy that this would occur and did Judas' acts not bring forth God's plan?

Matthew 20:18-19

¹⁸ Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death,
¹⁹ And shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him: and the third day He shall rise again.

When Judas, the chief priests and guards came to get Jesus, did not Jesus say ...

This was to be?

John 18:11

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Apostle Judas Iscariot Story of Fate

Why Judas Betrayed Jesus was Destiny

So, it was destined that Judas would betray Jesus so again, is Judas Iscariot In Hell?

Matthew 26:56

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled ...

Despite the intense anger one may hold for this individual ... He was used to bring God's Will to pass and God's Will was at that time and still is ...

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Here is an interesting Judas Bible study question ... Did Judas even know what he was doing when Satan entered him and had him do what he did which brought forth a prophecy from God? Did our Lord not say upon the Cross of those who crucified Him:

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Is Judas excluded from this statement placing Judas Iscariot In Hell? Some say it is a matter of repenting to be forgiven.

Did those within the crowd watching and mocking Jesus, repent and this is why Jesus spoke those Words to God?

But, what of Judas Iscariot Bible repenting ... Did not Judas repent?

Matthew 27:3-7

³ 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,
⁴ Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
⁵ And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and and hanged himself.
⁶ And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
⁷ And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

Does it not clearly say that Judas Iscariot repented? Was his sorrow for what he had done not so painful that he cast the money back at those who deceived him and then hung himself. Does this act put Judas Iscariot in Hell?

But wait ... What about when Jesus said:

Luke 22:21-22

²¹ But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
²² And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom He [Jesus] is betrayed!

Perhaps, Jesus was not referring to eternal damnation and the lake of fire but rather ... Woe.

Is this not Woe? Let us read it again.

Matthew 27:3-7

Apostle Judas Iscariot Story Fear

Why Judas Betrayed Jesus Warning

God knows the heart of every man and every matter and remember the betrayal was prophecy so there had to be a soul selected who would betray.

But, was the repenting also in prophecy?

Remember ...

Zechariah 11:13

And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.

It was prophecy that the silver would be cast back and it was due to the Judas Iscariot Bible event of him repenting that the silver was cast back into the Temple which fulfilled prophecy.

Here is another little Judas Bible study tidbit to ponder upon ...

Jesus made the following statement to all twelve Apostles including Judas Iscariot:

Luke 22:14-30

¹⁴ And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.
¹⁵ And He said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer:
¹⁶ For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
¹⁷ And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
¹⁸ For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God shall come.
¹⁹ And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.
²⁰ Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
²¹ But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
²² And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed!
²³ And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
²⁴ And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
²⁵ And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
²⁶ But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
²⁷ For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as He that serveth.
²⁸ Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
²⁹ And I appoint unto you a Kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
³⁰ That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Apostle Judas Iscariot Story Twist

Why Judas Betrayed Jesus Christ

Is Judas Iscariot In Hell? Was not Jesus talking to all twelve when He made the statement that they would all sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel? Some may say ... Yeah, but this committed an act against Jesus. That is truth. But, haven't we all sinned against the Lord? Did not even His Apostles commit acts against Jesus? Just after Jesus shared that one would betray Him, the Apostles started debating on who among themselves would be the greatest.

Luke 22:24-27

²⁴ And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
²⁵ And He [Jesus] said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
²⁶ But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
²⁷ For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as He that serveth.

Ponder on this Judas Iscariot Bible fact ... Imagine how Jesus felt. He had just said one of the twelve would betray Him and after they pondered on who that might be for a lil bit, they forgot about that and started talking about who among them would be the greatest in the new worldly Kingdom they imagined was about to occur. Much like the Sons of Thunder requested to sit at the right and left hand of the Lord in the Kingdom they imagined was to be and angered the other Apostles.

Mark 10:35-41

³⁵ And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
³⁶ And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
³⁷ They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
³⁸ But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
³⁹ And they said unto Him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
⁴⁰ But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

Apostle Judas Iscariot Story of Tears

Why Judas Betrayed Jesus - Fulfillment

How about the other Apostles ... Did not all of the Apostles run in fear when Jesus was captured? Abandoning Him to the enemy? Is Judas Iscariot In Hell?

Matthew 26:56

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Did Peter not deny Jesus thrice?

Matthew 26:75

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

One might say yes, but this Judas Iscariot Bible enemy of the Christians allowed Satan to act through him. Uh huh, and Satan did so through Peter too according to Jesus ... Jesus broke the news to the disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised on the third day. Peter rebuked Jesus, telling Him it wasn't going to happen, to which Jesus replied:

Matthew 16:23

But He turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Jesus wasn't calling Peter Satan ... Jesus knew that Satan tempted Peter to question the Word of Jesus and Will of God. Again the question is ... Is Judas Iscariot sentenced to eternal torture even after repenting.

What of the words of Jesus?

Matthew 12:31

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

This passage begins with Jesus saying ... "All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men" Is Judas an exception? Is Judas Iscariot In Hell? Judas was dead by the time the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost in the upper room and introduced Himself to the other Apostles and others. This means Judas never knew the Holy Spirit so he could not have blasphemed Him. Is it ever too late to repent if we have not blasphemed the Holy Spirit?

What of the man upon the Cross next to Jesus? Is he not in Paradise? and yet Judas Iscariot in Hell is a given?

Luke 23:39-43

³⁹ And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
⁴⁰ But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
⁴¹ And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
⁴² And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
⁴³ And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

This Judas Bible study should bring great peace to those who have loved ones who appeared not to believe in Jesus in their life and believe they are destined for hell. One never knows what goes on in the mind and heart of a soul, in particular when facing death. Did not Judas repent after the devil had left him because he knew Jesus was the Lord and saw what he had done? Do we not all have the ability to repent for our sins, even until our last breath, despite the manner of sin, and to be forgiven?

Is Judas Iscariot in Hell or is he in Paradise?

Only God knows.

Apostle Judas Iscariot Story Summary

Reason Why Judas Betrayed Jesus Revealed

Let's recap ... Judas was of the original twelve Apostles. Judas was in charge of the money they had. Judas was deceived by Satan and Judas betrayed Jesus to the pharisees for thirty pieces of silver as the prophecy predicted would occur. Judas led soldiers to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he betrayed Jesus ... With a kiss.

This resulted in the arrest of Jesus, His torture, His mock trial, His crucifixion and then His death. These events are known as the Passion of Christ. Judas was suddenly able to see what he had done and immediately regretted his choices and cast the the thirty pieces of silver back to they who gave it to him. In an agony and sorrow that few have ever experienced ... Judas hanged himself in shame.

Some use the following Scriptures to CON-demn Judas ...

John 17:12 - While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

Matthew 26:24 - The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

Mark 14:21 - The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

But, is the true interpretation of those Scriptures a sentence of eternal damnation in the Lake of fire and are they all referring to Judas Iscariot? Was the agony and woe that Judas experienced deemed as being better that he had not been born? Did not Jesus say that it had to occur so that Scripture might be fulfilled? What is the truth? Only God knows. Vengeance is HIS and HIS alone.

The point in this Apostle Judas Iscariot story is ... Before today, you may have been so very sure that Judas Iscariot being in Hell for his horrific choices was a fitting end to the Judas Iscariot story. But, the the Bible reveals that it may not be truth. Judge not lest ye be judged. We received God's Grace and we should be willing to allow others to receive it, IF it is God's will.

So, beware condemning others because they may have sinned. Also beware allowing anyone or anything to have you condemn yourself as well. This includes you condemning you. Here is the truth ... Jesus Loves us and forgives us our sins if we repent.

It is written that all Christians sin and that all Christians fall. It is also written that we need only truly repent to be forgiven. Perhaps Judas Iscariot truly repented and God chose to forgive him. Just like He forgives us when we sin.