Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot (c. 6 BCE – c. 30 CE) was one of the twelve primary disciples of Jesus Christ according to the New Testament. Chosen by Jesus himself, Judas served as the group's treasurer and maintained a position of trust among the apostles. However, his name became synonymous with betrayal when he conspired with the Jewish authorities and Roman leaders to arrest Jesus, allegedly for a bribe of thirty pieces of silver. Judas identified Jesus to soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane with a kiss, an act that precipitated Jesus's trial, conviction, and crucifixion. The Gospels describe Judas's subsequent remorse—he reportedly returned the money and died by suicide. His betrayal remains one of the most pivotal moments in Christian history and theology, representing humanity's capacity for treachery and the consequences of rejecting divine redemption. In Christian tradition, Judas has been extensively analyzed as a symbol of sin, despair, and the dangers of greed. His story raises profound theological questions about free will, predestination, and divine purpose. While vilified in Christian tradition, modern scholars have reexamined his role and motivations.