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| Photo courtesy of Leemage via Universal Images Group (UIG) and Getty Images |
When we think of betrayal, one name rises above all others—Judas Iscariot. Once counted among Jesus’s most trusted disciples, his kiss of identification in the Garden of Gethsemane changed the course of history. But why did Judas betray Jesus? Was it greed, fear, disillusionment—or something far more complex?
Let’s dive into what we know, what we don’t, and what we’re still uncovering about this mysterious figure from one of the most pivotal moments in Christian tradition.
Who Was Judas Iscariot?
The four canonical Gospels of the New Testament identify Judas as one of the twelve disciples. He is often distinguished by his surname “Iscariot,” which may refer to Kerioth, a town in Judea, suggesting he was not from Galilee like most of the others.
Some scholars believe this outsider status could have set him apart. Others have speculated about possible political ties to Jewish rebel groups like the Sicarii, though there's no direct evidence in the Bible to support this theory. Still, such speculation reflects the enduring question: What led Judas to turn on his teacher?
Possible Motives for the Betrayal
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| At the Last Supper, Jesus announces his betrayal as Judas sits apart on the opposite side of the table. Image credit: David Lees/Corbis via VCG/Getty Images. |
According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas agreed to betray Jesus to the religious authorities in exchange for 30 pieces of silver—a sum that would come to define him as the archetype of betrayal.
But was money the real motive?
The Gospels of John and Luke offer a deeper view. Both mention Satan’s influence over Judas, while John also portrays him as morally flawed even before the betrayal, accusing him of stealing from the group’s shared funds. Still, some scholars believe political frustration may have played a role. Judas may have expected Jesus to lead a rebellion against Rome and become disillusioned when he didn’t.
Others think Judas may have feared that Jesus’s popularity could provoke a brutal Roman crackdown, and saw handing him over as a way to prevent wider bloodshed.
The Aftermath of Betrayal
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| The Bible presents differing accounts of Judas Iscariot’s death—Matthew recounts his hanging, while Acts describes a gruesome fall resulting in internal rupture. Image credit: Culture Club/Getty Images. |
Judas’s actions led to Jesus’s arrest, trial, and crucifixion—key events in the Passion of Christ, which form the foundation of the Christian message of redemption and resurrection.
But Judas’s own story ends tragically. The Gospel of Matthew says he hung himself out of remorse, while the Book of Acts describes a more gruesome fate, involving a fall and a burst abdomen. These differing accounts reflect the complexities—and perhaps discomfort—with Judas's role in early Christian writings.
A Shift in Perspective?
For centuries, Judas was viewed with contempt. His name became synonymous with treachery, his story fueling negative stereotypes, especially harmful antisemitic ones in medieval Europe.
However, in modern times, some scholars have reexamined his legacy. Canadian theologian William Klassen argued that many aspects of Judas’s villainy may have been exaggerated or shaped by early church politics as Christianity distanced itself from its Jewish roots.
The discovery of the Gospel of Judas, a Gnostic text from the 2nd century, further complicates the picture. In this version, Judas isn’t a traitor—but a trusted disciple carrying out Jesus’s wishes. Although this gospel was written long after Judas’s death and isn't considered historically reliable, it shows how perspectives on Judas have evolved over time.
An ancient Coptic manuscript from the 3rd or 4th century holds the only known surviving copy of the Gospel of Judas. Image credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images.
Without Judas, No Resurrection?
Whether driven by personal weakness, divine purpose, or something in between, Judas's betrayal set in motion the events that led to the crucifixion—and ultimately the resurrection—of Jesus. Ironically, this means Judas played an essential role in the Christian story of salvation.
As Professor Robert Cargill puts it, “Without Judas, you don’t have the central component of Christianity—you don’t have the Resurrection.”
Final Thoughts
Judas Iscariot remains one of the most complex and debated figures in religious history. His actions, whether interpreted as betrayal, obedience, or tragic miscalculation, continue to provoke discussion among theologians, historians, and the faithful.
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