Which of the Disciples Betrayed Jesus?
The betrayal of Jesus Christ stands as one of the most sobering and pivotal moments in the gospel narratives. It was not carried out by a stranger or an enemy from outside his circle, but by one of his own disciples–someone who had walked with him, heard his teachings, and witnessed his miracles. This article explores the identity of the disciple who betrayed Jesus, the nature and motivation of that betrayal, and how it fits within the broader biblical narrative.
The Betrayer Foretold in Scripture
The betrayal of Jesus was not an unforeseen tragedy but a fulfillment of Scripture. In the Old Testament, several passages foreshadow the treachery that Jesus would endure. One of the most significant is found in Psalm 41:9: “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9)
Jesus himself quotes this verse in John 13:18, applying it directly to the one who would betray him: “I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’” (John 13:18)
This betrayal was not merely a personal offense but a fulfillment of divine prophecy. Another Old Testament passage often associated with the betrayal is Zechariah 11:12-13, which speaks of thirty pieces of silver–the exact amount Judas received for handing Jesus over (see, Matthew 26:14-15).
Identifying the Betrayer: Judas Iscariot
Among the twelve apostles, it was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. This is explicitly stated in all four gospels. For example, in the Gospel of Mark: “Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.” (Mark 14:10)
Matthew provides additional detail, noting the financial motivation behind Judas’s actions: “Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” (Matthew 26:14-15)
Luke adds that Satan entered into Judas, indicating a deeper spiritual dimension to the betrayal: “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.” (Luke 22:3)
John’s Gospel also emphasizes Judas’s role and character, calling him a thief and noting that Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray him (John 6:70-71; 12:6).
Did any of the other Disciples Betray Jesus?
Strictly speaking, only one of the twelve disciples betrayed Jesus in the sense of delivering him to his enemies–Judas Iscariot. However, it is important to distinguish between betrayal and denial. While Judas betrayed Jesus to the authorities, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times during the events leading up to the crucifixion (Luke 22:54-62). Though both actions were grievous, the New Testament treats them differently in terms of intent, outcome, and restoration.
Judas’s betrayal was premeditated and final. He actively sought out the religious leaders and agreed to hand Jesus over for money. Afterward, he was filled with remorse but did not seek forgiveness from Jesus. Instead, he returned the money and took his own life: “And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:5)
Peter’s denial, on the other hand, was driven by fear and weakness. Though he wept bitterly after realizing what he had done (Luke 22:62), he later experienced restoration through Jesus’ forgiveness (John 21:15-19).
Why Did Peter Deny Jesus?
Peter’s denial of Jesus was not a betrayal in the same sense as Judas’s actions, but it was still a serious failure. Jesus had predicted Peter’s denial earlier that evening: “Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’” (Matthew 26:34)
Peter’s denial was motivated by fear. As Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest’s house, Peter followed at a distance. When confronted by others who recognized him as a follower of Jesus, Peter denied any association with him: “But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about.’ And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.” (Luke 22:60)
Peter’s failure was real, but his heart was not hardened. His bitter weeping (Luke 22:62) and later restoration by Jesus (John 21:15-19) show that, unlike Judas, Peter repented and was forgiven.
Which Disciple Would Betray Jesus?
During the Last Supper, Jesus openly revealed that one of the twelve would betray him: “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” (Mark 14:18)
This announcement shocked the disciples, and they began to ask, “Is it I?” (Mark 14:19). Jesus identified the betrayer in a veiled way: “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me.” (Mark 14:20)
In John’s Gospel, Jesus gives a more specific sign: “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. (John 13:26)
After receiving the morsel, Judas left to carry out his plan. John notes ominously, “And it was night” (John 13:30), symbolizing the spiritual darkness of the moment.
Are Judas and Thaddeus the Same Person?
Judas Iscariot and Thaddeus are not the same person. The confusion arises because there were two disciples named Judas among the twelve. To avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot, the other Judas is often referred to as Thaddeus or Judas son of James.
Luke lists him as: “Judas the son of James” (Luke 6:16)
Matthew refers to him as: “Thaddeus” (Matthew 10:3)
John distinguishes the two clearly: “Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?’” (John 14:22)
Thus, Thaddeus (or Judas son of James) was a faithful disciple, distinct from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.
Theological Significance of the Betrayal
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is not merely a historical event but a theological moment of deep significance. It reveals the depravity of the human heart, the fulfillment of divine prophecy, and the sovereignty of God even over evil actions. Jesus was not caught off guard; he knew from the beginning who would betray him (John 6:64). Yet he still washed Judas’s feet (John 13:5), shared a meal with him, and called him “friend” even in the moment of betrayal (Matthew 26:50).
Moreover, the betrayal set in motion the events that would lead to the crucifixion, through which Jesus would accomplish the redemption of sinners. As Peter later preached: “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:23)
Conclusion
One of the twelve disciples–Judas Iscariot–betrayed Jesus, handing him over to his enemies for thirty pieces of silver. His betrayal was foretold in Scripture and fulfilled in the gospel narratives. Peter, though he denied Jesus three times, was later restored and forgiven. The other Judas, also known as Thaddeus, was a faithful disciple and not to be confused with Judas Iscariot.
The betrayal of Jesus reminds us of the depth of human sin, the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, and the grace available to those who repent. Judas chose despair and death; Peter chose repentance and restoration. Their stories stand as a warning and a hope for all who follow Christ.