Theology Judas Iscariot

1 theology

1.1 betrayal of jesus
1.2 modern interpretations

1.2.1 john shelby spong
1.2.2 hyam maccoby

theology
betrayal of jesus

the kiss of judas iscariot, coloured engraving, 15th century.

there several explanations why judas betrayed jesus. in earliest account, in gospel of mark, when goes chief priests betray jesus, offered money reward, not clear money motivation. in gospel of matthew account, on other hand, asks pay him handing jesus over. in gospel of luke , gospel of john, devil enters judas, causing him offer betray jesus. gospel of john account has judas complaining money has been spent on expensive perfumes anoint jesus have been spent on poor, adds keeper of apostles purse , used steal it.

one suggestion has been judas expected jesus overthrow roman rule of judea. in view, judas disillusioned disciple betraying jesus not because loved money, because loved country , thought jesus had failed it. jesus causing unrest increase tensions roman authorities , thought should restrained until after passover, when had gone home , commotion had died down.

the gospels suggest jesus foresaw (john 6:64, matthew 26:25) , allowed judas s betrayal (john 13:27–28). 1 explanation jesus allowed betrayal because allow god s plan fulfilled. regardless of betrayal, jesus destined crucifixion. in april 2006, coptic papyrus manuscript titled gospel of judas 200 ad translated, suggesting jesus told judas betray him, although scholars question translation.

judas subject of philosophical writings, including problem of natural evil bertrand russell , 3 versions of judas, short story jorge luis borges. allege various problematic ideological contradictions discrepancy between judas s actions , eternal punishment. bruce reichenbach argues if jesus foresees judas s betrayal, betrayal not act of free will, , therefore should not punishable. conversely, argued because betrayal foretold, not prevent judas exercising own free in matter. other scholars argue judas acted in obedience god s will. gospels suggest judas apparently bound fulfillment of god s purposes (john 13:18, john 17:12, matthew 26:23–25, luke 22:21–22, matt 27:9–10, acts 1:16, acts 1:20), yet woe upon him, , have been better unborn (matthew 26:23–25). difficulty inherent in saying paradoxicality: if judas had not been born, son of man apparently no longer written of him. consequence of apologetic approach judas s actions come seen necessary , unavoidable, yet leading condemnation.

the kiss of judas, giotto di bondone

erasmus believed judas free change intention, martin luther argued in rebuttal judas s immutable. john calvin states judas predestined damnation, writes on question of judas guilt: surely in judas betrayal, no more right, because god himself willed son delivered , delivered him death, ascribe guilt of crime god transfer credit redemption judas. catholic church has no view on damnation. vatican proclaims individuals eternal salvation through canon of saints. there no canon of damned , nor official proclamation of damnation of judas.

it speculated judas s damnation, seems possible gospels text, may not stem betrayal of christ, despair caused him subsequently commit suicide. position not without problems since judas damned jesus before committed suicide (see john 17:12), avoid paradox of judas s predestined act setting in motion both salvation of mankind , own damnation.

modern interpretations

the betrayal of jesus 1 of disciples regarded scholars authentic, based on criterion of embarrassment: considered unlikely church have invented tradition, since appears reflect badly on jesus.

in book passover plot (1965), british new testament scholar hugh j. schonfield suggested crucifixion of christ conscious re-enactment of biblical prophecy , judas acted full knowledge , consent of jesus in betraying him authorities. book has been variously described factually groundless , based on little data , wild suppositions , disturbing , tawdry .

although suggesting betrayal historically else in tradition , bart ehrman argues betrayed not whereabouts of jesus, private teachings.

john shelby spong

in book sins of scripture, john shelby spong writes:

whole story of judas has feeling of being contrived...the act of betrayal member of twelve disciples not found in earliest christian writings. judas first placed christian story gospel of mark (3:19), wrote in years of eighth decade of common era.

spong points out of gospels, after crucifixion, refer number of disciples twelve , if judas still among them. comparing 3 conflicting descriptions of judas s death – hanging, leaping pit, , disemboweling – 3 old testament betrayals followed similar suicides, suggests these real source of story.

spong s conclusion bible authors, after first jewish-roman war, sought distance rome s enemies. augmented gospels story of disciple, personified in judas jewish state, either betrayed or handed on jesus roman crucifiers. spong identifies augmentation origin of modern anti-semitism.

hyam maccoby

jewish scholar hyam maccoby suggests in new testament, name judas constructed attack on judaeans or on judaean religious establishment held responsible executing jesus.