by Timothy W. Burnett
According to Matthew 27:3-5, Judas was the disciple who earlier betrayed Jesus. He left during their last meal, revealed their location and plans to the Jewish leaders and led them to Jesus. He then received a payment of 30 silver pieces from the chief priests and elders. After he saw that Jesus was condemned, Judas repented of his action and returned the payment to the chief priests and elders. He told them that he sinned by betraying the "inncoent blood" (Matthew 27:4). The chief priests and elders let him know that his sin wasn't their business. Next Judas threw down the silver pieces in the temple and left. In verse 5, the reference to haning himself is a figure of speech that requires more explanation. In "Jesus Christ Our Passover," author Victor Paul Wierwille said, "the Greek word translated 'hanged himself' in the King James Version is apanchomai from the Greek word apancho." Wierwille further explained that in classical literature it meant "to strangle" or "to choke" and figuratively meant to choke with anger or grief (p. 510). Judas was choked with overwhelming grief over his actions.
In Luke 24:33-36 and John 20:19-24 we find the 12 apostles together, without Thomas, after God raised Jesus from the dead. Eight days later, Jesus reappeared when all 12 apostles were present (John 20:26-29).
According to Acts 1:2-4, Jesus was once again present with his "chosen ones" just prior to his ascension. If Judas was not presnt with them, there is no doubt that Jesus would have made the arrangements for his replacement. There is no record of any one of his "chosen ones" being missing at this time.
After Jesus ascended, the apostles stayed in an upper room. It was during this time that Peter stood up and announced the need to replace Judas Iscariot with another apostle. The record reveals that Judas left the others and killed himself by somehow causing a sword to plunge into his stomach area (Acts 1:13-20)
Not unlike Peter's denials, Judas made a wrong decision by betraying Jesus Christ. He also grieved greatly just as Peter did. The difference was that Judas was so overwhelmed that he was spiritually driven to commit suicide. According to Acts 1:17, he was numbered with the others and obtained part of the ministry. Peter and the others obtained the full ministry after holy spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). Many people after them also obtained the same ministry. For they were filled with holy spirit and began to speak with tongues. It is still available today for people to obtain the same ministry of reconciliation (2Corinthians 5:18).
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