John 6:70-71
Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus, knowing the hearts of those around him, points out that even among his chosen twelve, one is a "devil," meaning utterly opposed to God. This highlights that outward association with Jesus, even in a special role, doesn't guarantee inward loyalty, and that genuine opposition to God can reside in the most unexpected places.
Following a challenging teaching where many disciples turned away, Peter affirmed his loyalty to Jesus for the twelve. Jesus then acknowledged their confession but revealed a stark reality: even among the chosen eleven, one harbors a diabolical nature, foreshadowing betrayal.
Imagine the scene: Jesus has just spoken profound, challenging words, causing many followers to turn away. Peter declares unwavering loyalty. Then, Jesus drops a bombshell: one of the twelve, one of them, is a 'devil.' How could this be?
Jesus’ statement, 'And yet one of you is a devil,' is a stark and heart-wrenching revelation. The word 'devil' (Greek: diabolos) literally means 'accuser' or 'slanderer,' but in the New Testament, it signifies active opposition to Christ and God. It points to a character that undermines and betrays.
This wasn't a casual observation; it was a profound statement about the reality of spiritual warfare and the devastating potential for evil even within close fellowship. While 'devil' is often associated with Satan himself, here it describes a human heart so given over to opposition and betrayal that it mirrors the devil's nature. This truth wasn't meant to condemn the eleven, but to confront Judas and prepare them for a future shock.
Jesus reminds the disciples, 'Did I not choose you, the twelve?' This wasn't a random selection. Yet, choice didn't automatically guarantee faithfulness. What does this tell us about divine election and human responsibility?
Jesus’ question, 'Did I not choose you, the twelve?', emphasizes His deliberate selection. This choice wasn't based on their merit or future performance, but on His sovereign will. The Gospels are clear: Jesus hand-picked these men.
However, this divine choice to appoint them to an office and intimate fellowship did not erase their free will or guarantee their ultimate commitment. The text reveals a crucial distinction: Jesus chose them, but one of them chose to betray Him.
This highlights a profound theological tension: God's sovereign election and human responsibility. While God ordains outcomes and chooses individuals for specific purposes, people are still accountable for their choices. Judas's choice to act as a 'devil' was a devastating misuse of the freedom given to him, despite being chosen.
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.
Ioudas · Greek Proper Noun
The name of one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus, historically known as the one who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. In biblical usage, his name has become synonymous with treachery and apostasy.
dōdeka · Greek Noun/Numeral
This moment occurs during a period of intense spiritual teaching and testing in Jesus' ministry. The defection of many followers creates a crisis of faith, prompting Jesus to confront His inner circle with the reality of human frailty and the stark presence of evil, even among those closest to Him.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus conducted His public ministry in Galilee, attracting large crowds with His miracles and teachings, but also facing increasing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
A massive crowd follows Jesus after He miraculously feeds them. Many are motivated by the desire for more free bread, leading Jesus to challenge their superficial faith.
c. AD 30
Jesus Walks on Water
Following the feeding miracle, Jesus walks on water to His disciples. This event further mystifies and challenges those who witnessed it.
c. AD 30
Discourse on the Bread of Life
Jesus delivers a challenging discourse in the synagogue at Capernaum, explaining that He is the true bread of life, which requires deeper faith than mere physical sustenance.
Jesus rebukes Peter, calling him 'Satan,' highlighting how even those closest to Him can act in ways contrary to God's will.
Luke 6:13This passage describes Jesus deliberately choosing the twelve apostles, emphasizing the divine selection despite one's future betrayal.
John 13:18Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9, stating He knows who will betray Him, directly referencing the same truth about Judas's predetermined role in His suffering.
Acts 1:16-20Peter explains Judas's betrayal and subsequent fall, framing it as a fulfillment of Scripture and a necessary event that led to the appointment of a replacement.
1 Samuel 16:7God looks at the heart, contrasting with outward appearances, underscoring that true worth and loyalty come from within, not just from being chosen or present.
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, knowing the hearts of those around him, points out that even among his chosen twelve, one is a "devil," meaning utterly opposed to God. This highlights that outward association with Jesus, even in a special role, doesn't guarantee inward loyalty, and that genuine opposition to God can reside in the most unexpected places.
Following a challenging teaching where many disciples turned away, Peter affirmed his loyalty to Jesus for the twelve. Jesus then acknowledged their confession but revealed a stark reality: even among the chosen eleven, one harbors a diabolical nature, foreshadowing betrayal.
Following a challenging teaching where many disciples turned away, Peter affirmed his loyalty to Jesus for the twelve. Jesus then acknowledged their confession but revealed a stark reality: even among the chosen eleven, one harbors a diabolical nature, foreshadowing betrayal.
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Judas was one of the 'Twelve,' an office of immense privilege and responsibility. Yet, internally, he was a 'devil.' This verse exposes a jarring disconnect between outward position and inward reality.
The designation 'one of the twelve' signifies an outward, official status. These men were set apart, given authority, and granted intimate access to Jesus. They walked with Him, learned from Him, and were commissioned by Him.
But Jesus’ statement reveals that this outward position did not equate to an inward devotion or a pure heart. Judas, despite holding the office of an apostle, harbored a disposition that was adversarial and destructive – 'devilish.' This is a sobering reminder that religious roles, titles, or even proximity to God's work do not automatically sanctify a person's heart.
This contrast is tragic because Judas had every opportunity to learn and grow. His betrayal, therefore, was not an inevitable destiny he couldn't escape, but a grim choice made by a heart that had turned away, despite the blessings and warnings he received.
The designation for the core group of disciples personally chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and future messengers of the gospel. The number twelve is symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating Jesus' role in reconstituting the people of God.
paradidonai · Greek Verb
The act of handing someone over to authorities or enemies, often through treachery or breach of trust. In a theological sense, it describes the willful rejection of the Lord and the delivery of the Messiah into the hands of sinners to be executed.
c. AD 30
Many Disciples Depart
Jesus' profound and demanding teachings cause many followers to abandon Him, highlighting the cost of true discipleship.
c. AD 30
Jesus Questions the Twelve
In the wake of the defections, Jesus turns to His closest circle of twelve apostles, asking if they too will leave Him.
c. AD 30
Judas's Betrayal Looms
While Peter confesses faith, Jesus reveals the inner turmoil and foresees the imminent betrayal by Judas Iscariot, one of the chosen twelve.
"Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him." — Jesus, knowing the hearts of those around him, points out that even among his chosen twelve, one is a "devil," meaning utterly opposed to God. This highlights that outward association with Jesus, eve…
