Acts 1:19
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.)
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that the entire city knew the sordid details of Judas's betrayal and death, not just the disciples. This widespread knowledge immediately gave the field a name rooted in the tragic event, demonstrating how public awareness of sin and its consequences can permanently mark a place or a story.
Peter is explaining why a new apostle is needed, referencing Judas's betrayal and tragic end. He quotes Psalm 109, detailing the curse that befell Judas, and this verse explains how the field purchased with Judas's blood money became known to everyone in Jerusalem by the Aramaic name "Akeldama," the Field of Blood. This infamous name served as a constant reminder of the betrayal and the curse on Judas's life.
Why does Luke make sure we know the name of this field, and what does it tell us about the ripple effect of Judas's actions?
Peter's speech, as recorded in Acts 1:18-19, highlights how Judas's betrayal wasn't a private matter. It had tangible, lasting consequences.
The 'Field of Blood'
Luke inserts a detail about the 'proper tongue.' What does this linguistic note reveal about his audience and his message?
The mention of 'their proper tongue' (or 'their own dialect') is more than just a historical aside; it speaks volumes about Luke's intention as a writer.
Bridging Worlds with Words
The naming of the 'Field of Blood' highlights how the shame and scandal surrounding Judas's betrayal and death were immediately and publicly associated with the very ground purchased by his ill-gotten gains.
c. 30 AD
Judas Betrays Jesus
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, betrays Jesus to the authorities, leading to his crucifixion. He is later given thirty pieces of silver for this act.
c. 30 AD
Judas Dies Tragically
Judas, overcome with remorse, attempts to return the silver and dies, likely by suicide. The specific circumstances of his death are debated but are described as gruesome.
c. 30 AD
Field Purchased with Blood Money
The chief priests use the thirty pieces of silver Judas returned to buy a field, intended as a burial place for foreigners. This purchase becomes a source of scandal.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Election of Matthias
After Judas's death, the remaining eleven apostles feel a need to replace him. They cast lots, and Matthias is chosen to join their number.
This passage describes Judas's betrayal, his remorse, and the purchase of the potter's field with the 'blood money,' explaining the origin of the 'Field of Blood' name from a different Gospel's perspective.
Jeremiah 19:1-13This Old Testament prophecy describes God commanding Jeremiah to break a potter's vessel in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom as a symbol of Jerusalem's impending destruction and the bloodshed, mirroring the tragic end associated with the field.
Psalm 41:9This Psalm speaks of a close friend turning against the psalmist for money, which Peter quotes in Acts 1:20 as a prophecy fulfilled by Judas's actions, directly linking the betrayal and its consequences to scripture.
Proverbs 1:19This proverb speaks of greed leading to destruction, a concept directly illustrated by Judas's pursuit of money and his subsequent tragic end, highlighting the spiritual principle behind the event.
meyerActs 1:19: "And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood."
Acts 1:19 . Not even these words are to be considered, with the above-mentioned expositors (also Schleierm. Einl. p. 372), as an inserted remark of Luke, but as part of the speech of Peter. For all that they contain belongs essentially to the complete description of the curse of the action of Judas: ἐγένετο forms with ἐλάκησε an…
bengelActs 1:19: "And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood."
Acts 1:19 . Γνωστὸν ἐγένετο , it became known ) namely, that which is mentioned in the beginning of Acts 1:18 .— τῇ ἰδίᾳ , in their own idiom [tongue]) This and the subsequent interpretation of it, This is the field of blood , Luke has added to the speech of Peter for the information of Theophilus, and the reader who does not un…
This verse highlights that the entire city knew the sordid details of Judas's betrayal and death, not just the disciples. This widespread knowledge immediately gave the field a name rooted in the tragic event, demonstrating how public awareness of sin and its consequences can permanently mark a place or a story.
Peter is explaining why a new apostle is needed, referencing Judas's betrayal and tragic end. He quotes Psalm 109, detailing the curse that befell Judas, and this verse explains how the field purchased with Judas's blood money became known to everyone in Jerusalem by the Aramaic name "Akeldama," the Field of Blood. This infamous name served as a constant reminder of the betrayal and the curse on Judas's life.
Peter is explaining why a new apostle is needed, referencing Judas's betrayal and tragic end. He quotes Psalm 109, detailing the curse that befell Judas, and this verse explains how the field purchased with Judas's blood money became known to everyone in Jerusalem by the Aramaic name "Akeldama," the Field of Blood. This infamous name served as a constant reminder of the betrayal and the curse on Judas's life.
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c. 30 AD
The Field Becomes Known as Akeldama
The story of Judas's betrayal, his death, and the purchase of the field with his blood money becomes widely known in Jerusalem, leading to the field being called Akeldama, or 'Field of Blood' in the local Aramaic dialect.
c. 30-33 AD
The Day of Pentecost
Just weeks after Matthias's election, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the Gospel. This event marks the birth of the early Church.
"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.)" — This verse highlights that the entire city knew the sordid details of Judas's betrayal and death, not just the disciples. This widespread knowledge immediately gave the field a name rooted in the t…
