Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot is the Apostle who betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver — one of the Twelve chosen by Christ himself, who ended in tragedy through the free choice of evil. His story is one of the New Testament's most haunting warnings about the possibility of losing salvation (CCC 1851).

His Betrayal

Judas was among the innermost circle — one of the Twelve who had witnessed Jesus's miracles, heard his teaching, and shared his table. John's Gospel notes that Judas was the group's treasurer and had been stealing from the money bag (John 12:6). He agreed with the chief priests to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver — the price of a slave (Matthew 26:14–16; CCC 596).

At the Last Supper

At the Last Supper, Jesus identified his betrayer — "One of you will betray me" — and then, handing a morsel to Judas, said: "What you are going to do, do quickly" (John 13:21–27). Judas left immediately into the night. His departure from the Eucharistic table before the institution of the Eucharist is freighted with symbolic significance.

His Death

After the betrayal, Judas was seized with remorse, returned the thirty pieces of silver, and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3–5). Acts 1:18 records a different detail — he fell headlong and his bowels burst — which the tradition harmonizes by understanding the rope broke after death. His fate is one of Scripture's most sobering warnings (CCC 1851).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Judas in Hell? The Church has never defined the eternal fate of any particular individual. Jesus's words — "It would have been better for that man if he had not been born" (Matthew 26:24) — are sobering, but the Church does not close the door on God's mercy toward any soul (CCC 1058).