Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus highlights the stark contrast between His deliberate choice of the Twelve and the inner reality of one of them, revealing that a close relationship with Him doesn't automatically guarantee loyalty or a pure heart. This isn't just about Judas; it's a sobering reminder that even those intimately connected to God's work can harbor a "devilish" nature, working against Him.
Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a challenging teaching where many disciples turned away, Peter boldly affirmed his loyalty to Jesus on behalf of the twelve. In response, Jesus acknowledged their commitment but then introduced a stark, tragic contrast, revealing that despite His careful selection of the twelve, one of them was secretly a "devil," meaning someone deeply opposed to Him.
Jesus looked at the very men he hand-picked and knew one was destined for betrayal. What does this say about divine selection?
Jesus’ question, 'Did I not choose you, the twelve?', highlights a crucial point: being chosen by God isn't a one-way ticket to guaranteed success or faithfulness.
Divine Election vs. Human Response
The word 'devil' (diabolos) is loaded. How can one chosen by Jesus embody such a nature?
When Jesus calls Judas a 'devil' (diabolos), He's not just labeling him; He's revealing a profound spiritual reality.
Understanding the 'Devil' Label
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Understand the original words
exelexamēn · Greek Verb
To select or pick out from among others for a specific purpose, often emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in choosing individuals for salvation or service.
diabolos · Greek Noun
A spiritual being or entity characterized by opposition to God, deceit, and malice; it refers to one who embodies the nature of the accuser and antagonist of God's purposes.
This verse lands at a critical moment where Jesus' radical teachings cause many to turn away, highlighting the stark contrast between true, costly discipleship and superficial following, and exposing the hidden betrayal within his closest circle.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus is actively teaching and performing miracles, attracting large crowds but also drawing suspicion and criticism from religious authorities.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Teaches on the Bread of Life
In John chapter 6, Jesus delivers a challenging discourse about being the bread of life, leading many followers to abandon him.
c. AD 30
Jesus Questions the Twelve
After many disciples leave, Jesus asks the remaining twelve apostles if they too will go, to which Peter makes a strong confession of faith.
c. AD 30
Jesus Identifies a Traitor Among Them
Jesus, foreseeing Judas' betrayal, reveals that one of the chosen twelve is a 'devil', causing distress and confusion among the apostles.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' accusation to the disciples in John 6, as He points to one among them who will betray Him, creating a strong thematic link of betrayal within the inner circle.
Acts 1:16-20This passage further elaborates on the need to replace Judas, referring to his betrayal and downfall, which directly stems from the 'devilish' nature Jesus identified in John 6.
John 13:2This verse shows Judas already influenced by the devil, providing a chronological progression to Jesus' statement in John 6:70 and highlighting the deepening spiritual corruption.
Matthew 16:23Jesus' rebuke of Peter as 'Satan' demonstrates that even close followers can act with devilish intent, offering a broader context to how Jesus perceived human opposition and inner struggle, even among the chosen.
vincentJohn 6:70: "Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?"
A devil (διάβολος)See on Matthew 4:1. The word is an adjective, meaning slanderous, but is almost invariably used in the New Testament as a noun, and with the definite article. The article is wanting only in 1 Peter 5:8; Acts 13:10; Revelation 12:9; and perhaps Revelation 20:2. It is of the very essence of the devilish nature to oppose Christ. Compare Matthew 16:23.
calvinJohn 6:65-71: "And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."
- And he said, Therefore have I told you that no man can come to me, unless it be given to him by my Father. 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67. Jesus therefore said to the twelve, Do you also wish to go away? 68. Simon Peter therefore answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. 69.…
Jesus highlights the stark contrast between His deliberate choice of the Twelve and the inner reality of one of them, revealing that a close relationship with Him doesn't automatically guarantee loyalty or a pure heart. This isn't just about Judas; it's a sobering reminder that even those intimately connected to God's work can harbor a "devilish" nature, working against Him.
Following a challenging teaching where many disciples turned away, Peter boldly affirmed his loyalty to Jesus on behalf of the twelve. In response, Jesus acknowledged their commitment but then introduced a stark, tragic contrast, revealing that despite His careful selection of the twelve, one of them was secretly a "devil," meaning someone deeply opposed to Him.
Following a challenging teaching where many disciples turned away, Peter boldly affirmed his loyalty to Jesus on behalf of the twelve. In response, Jesus acknowledged their commitment but then introduced a stark, tragic contrast, revealing that despite His careful selection of the twelve, one of them was secretly a "devil," meaning someone deeply opposed to Him.
"Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”" — Jesus highlights the stark contrast between His deliberate choice of the Twelve and the inner reality of one of them, revealing that a close relationship with Him doesn't automatically guarantee loya…
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Last reviewed October 2026