Judas Iscariot

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek Ioudas (“Judah”); “Iscariot” likely indicates “man of Kerioth” (a place-name), distinguishing him among the Twelve
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period; Roman Imperial Context
• Main References: Matthew 26–27; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 12–18; Acts 1:16–20
• Key Connections: One of the Twelve apostles of Jesus; associated with the chief priests and temple authorities in Jesus’ arrest

Who was Judas Iscariot?

Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ twelve chosen apostles.
He served as keeper of the common moneybag among the disciples (John 12:6; 13:29).
During Passover week in Jerusalem, he arranged to hand Jesus over to the authorities.
The Gospels present him as the disciple through whom Jesus was betrayed.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Agreed with the chief priests to betray Jesus for money (Matt. 26:14–16; Mark 14:10–11; Luke 22:3–6).
• Event 2: Identified Jesus to the arresting party with a kiss in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:47–50; Mark 14:43–45; Luke 22:47–48).
• Event 3: Afterward Judas died; Matthew describes suicide (Matt. 27:3–5), and Acts reports his death and the vacancy among the Twelve (Acts 1:16–20).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Judas Iscariot is remembered as a member of the Twelve whose proximity to Jesus did not prevent a decisive break in loyalty at the moment of crisis.

Key Verse

"And while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people." — Matthew 26:47, ESV