Friday 26 January 2024

Who was Judas? Did Paul ever mention him?

 Judas is a figure known from the New Testament of the Bible, and he is most commonly associated with the betrayal of Jesus. There are two prominent figures named Judas in the New Testament: Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, and Judas (also called Thaddeus), one of the twelve apostles.

1. **Judas Iscariot:**

   - Judas Iscariot is known for betraying Jesus by identifying him to the authorities, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. According to the Gospels, Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The Gospel of Matthew (26:14-16) and the Gospel of Mark (14:10-11) provide an account of Judas Iscariot's agreement with the religious authorities.

   - After the betrayal, Judas Iscariot is said to have remorsefully returned the money and later hanged himself. The Gospel of Matthew (27:3-5) and the Gospel of Acts (1:18-19) mention his death.

2. **Judas (Thaddeus):**

   - Another figure named Judas appears among the twelve apostles. He is often referred to as Thaddeus to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. The Gospel of Matthew (10:3) and the Gospel of Mark (3:18) mention him as one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.

   - The apostle Judas (Thaddeus) is mentioned briefly in the Gospels, and his role is not as prominent as that of Judas Iscariot.

Regarding the mention of Judas in the writings of Paul, Paul's letters in the New Testament do not provide extensive details about Judas Iscariot's betrayal. Paul focuses more on the theological aspects of Jesus' death and resurrection. The specific betrayal by Judas and his role in the events leading to the crucifixion are detailed in the Gospel accounts rather than in Paul's letters.

In Paul's letters, the focus is primarily on the core teachings of Christianity, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the redemption of humanity through faith in Christ.

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