Acts 1:18-20
(Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text describes Judas "acquiring" the field not necessarily by direct purchase, but by being the cause of its purchase with the money he returned. This highlights how consequences, intended or not, can still be attributed to our actions, making the field a direct result of his treachery.
Peter is explaining how Scripture foretold the betrayal and fall of Judas, who was part of their ministry. This passage interrupts Peter's speech to describe Judas's gruesome death and the field bought with his blood money, which became known as the "Field of Blood." The narrative then resumes with Peter’s argument for replacing Judas.
Judas's story isn't just about betrayal; it's about how our choices lead to consequences, even when we don't 'buy' the outcome ourselves.
How can a field be 'acquired' without a direct purchase?
The verse states Judas "purchased" a field with his "reward of iniquity." However, commentaries suggest the nuance is important here. Judas didn't personally hand over money to buy it. Instead, he returned the 30 pieces of silver to the priests, and they used that money to buy the field.
The "Acquisition" of the Field
The graphic details of Judas's death are shocking. But why are they included here, and what do they reveal about divine justice?
The description of Judas falling headlong and bursting open is brutal, a stark contrast to the peaceful ascension of Jesus just before.
The Messy Reality of Judgment
Understand the original words
adikia · Greek Noun
Moral depravity or malicious evil; it refers to conduct that is contrary to God’s holy character and law, often resulting in severe divine judgment.
biblos psalmōn · Greek Noun phrase
A collection of sacred Hebrew songs and prayers inspired by the Holy Spirit, frequently cited in the New Testament as authoritative prophecy concerning the life, suffering, and exaltation of the Messiah.
episkopē · Greek Noun
A position of oversight, stewardship, or responsibility, specifically referring to a functional role or spiritual authority within the community of God's people.
Luke's detailed, gruesome description of Judas's death, presented as a historical note following Peter's speech, underscores the horrific consequences of betraying Jesus and the divine justice that followed.
c. AD 30
Judas Betrays Jesus
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, betrays him to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. This act sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Priests Buy Potter's Field
The chief priests use the thirty pieces of silver Judas returned to purchase a field, known as the Potter's Field, for the burial of strangers. This money is viewed as 'blood money'.
c. AD 30— this verse
Judas's Death
Judas Iscariot dies in a gruesome manner. While Matthew's Gospel mentions him hanging himself, Luke's account in Acts describes him falling headlong and bursting open, suggesting a delayed or compounded death.
c. AD 30
Field Named Aceldama
The field purchased with Judas's betrayal money becomes known in the local Aramaic language as 'Aceldama,' meaning 'the Field of Blood,' a constant reminder of the treacherous act.
This passage provides a parallel account of Judas's death, mentioning his remorse, the return of the money, and his suicide by hanging, offering context to the details in Acts.
2 Samuel 17:23This Old Testament account of Ahithophel's suicide by hanging and subsequent death offers a historical precedent for a similar gruesome end, underscoring the dire consequences of betrayal.
Psalm 109:17-18This psalm, quoted by Peter earlier in Acts, speaks of cursing entering a person's body like water, which eerily parallels the gruesome physical outcome of Judas's betrayal.
2 Chronicles 25:12This passage describes the defeat of the Edomites, whose men were cast down from a high place and had their bodies mangled, offering a physical parallel to the violent bursting described in Acts.
vincentActs 1:18: "Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out."
Purchased (ἐκτήσατο)See on possess, Luke 18:12. Better, as Rev., obtained. Judas did not purchase the field, but the priests did with the money which he returned to them, (Matthew 27:7). The expression means merely that the field was purchased with the money of Judas.Falling headlong (πρηνής γενόμενος)Lit., having become headlong.He bur…
jfbActs 1:12-26: "Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey."
Ac 1:12-26. Return of the Eleven to Jerusalem—Proceedings in the Upper Room till Pentecost.12-14. a sabbath day's journey—about two thousand cubits.
The text describes Judas "acquiring" the field not necessarily by direct purchase, but by being the cause of its purchase with the money he returned. This highlights how consequences, intended or not, can still be attributed to our actions, making the field a direct result of his treachery.
Peter is explaining how Scripture foretold the betrayal and fall of Judas, who was part of their ministry. This passage interrupts Peter's speech to describe Judas's gruesome death and the field bought with his blood money, which became known as the "Field of Blood." The narrative then resumes with Peter’s argument for replacing Judas.
Peter is explaining how Scripture foretold the betrayal and fall of Judas, who was part of their ministry. This passage interrupts Peter's speech to describe Judas's gruesome death and the field bought with his blood money, which became known as the "Field of Blood." The narrative then resumes with Peter’s argument for replacing Judas.
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c. AD 30-33
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Following his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives, instructing his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit.
c. AD 33
Selection of Matthias
The remaining eleven apostles, following Jesus' instruction, cast lots to choose Matthias as a replacement for Judas, restoring the apostolic number to twelve.
"(Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in thei…" — The text describes Judas "acquiring" the field not necessarily by direct purchase, but by being the cause of its purchase with the money he returned. This highlights how consequences, intended or not…
