John 6:71
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
John, writing decades later with full knowledge of Judas's betrayal, alerts readers to the tragedy unfolding. Judas held a position of trust (treasurer, John 12:6) yet used it for theft. He shared three years of intimate fellowship with Christ yet harbored unbelief. His name 'Iscariot' likely means 'man of Kerioth,' a Judean town, making him possibly the only non-Galilean among the Twelve. The betrayal by one of the inner circle shocked early Christians—how could an apostle fall away? John's answer: Judas was never genuinely saved (verse 64: Jesus knew from the beginning). The church has always faced Judases—those who profess Christ, serve in ministry, yet prove ultimately false. Church history warns against assuming that proximity to Christ, theological knowledge, or ministerial activity guarantees salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Judas's presence among the Twelve teach about the danger of false profession?
- How can someone serve in ministry, hear Christ's teaching, witness miracles, yet remain unsaved?
- What distinguishes genuine discipleship from Judas-like proximity to Christ without heart transformation?
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Analysis & Commentary
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. This parenthetical identification of the betrayer creates dramatic irony—the reader knows what the disciples don't yet comprehend. 'Judas Iscariot' distinguishes him from Judas the brother of James (Luke 6:16). 'Son of Simon' provides further identification. The phrase 'he it was that should betray' (houtos gar emellen auton paradidonai) uses the imperfect 'emellen' indicating what was about to happen—Judas's betrayal was imminent though not yet executed. The tragic phrase 'being one of the twelve' (heis ōn ek tōn dōdeka) emphasizes the horror: not an enemy but an insider, not a stranger but an apostle chosen by Christ Himself. Reformed theology sees in Judas a sobering example of false profession, outward proximity to Christ without inward regeneration, religious service without salvation. His presence among the Twelve warns against trusting external privileges for assurance.