Luke 22:3
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's striking here is that Satan didn't just influence Judas; the text says he entered him, highlighting how a specific, existing greed could become an open door for evil. This wasn't a sudden impulse, but a deep invasion of a heart already leaning towards avarice, turning one of Jesus' closest followers into an instrument of darkness.
As Jesus prepares for the Passover meal, the gravity of his impending suffering looms. Luke highlights a crucial turning point: Satan seizes the opportunity to influence Judas, one of the twelve apostles, setting in motion the betrayal that will lead to Jesus' arrest. This pivotal moment underscores the spiritual battle at play, even within Jesus' closest circle.
When Scripture says 'Satan entered into Judas,' what does that really mean? Was it a physical possession or something more subtle?
The phrase 'Satan entered into Judas' is a powerful way to describe the deep influence of evil on Judas's heart. It doesn't necessarily mean a direct, physical invasion of his body, but rather that Satan found fertile ground in Judas's desires and intentions.
Judas was one of the Twelve, hand-picked by Jesus. How does this detail magnify the horror of his betrayal?
The verse doesn't just identify Judas; it emphasizes his position: 'who was of the number of the twelve.' This isn't a casual detail; it’s crucial for understanding the gravity of his actions.
Understand the original words
Satanas · Greek Noun
The personal spiritual adversary of God and His people, who actively seeks to tempt, deceive, and destroy. He is the ultimate orchestrator of evil in the world, though subject to God’s sovereign control.
The narrative highlights how Satan can exploit existing human weaknesses, like greed and disappointment, to lead even those close to Jesus down a path of betrayal. This wasn't a sudden impulse but a tragic culmination of inner struggles amplified by an external, evil influence.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Discipleship
Jesus travels and teaches throughout Galilee and Judea, gathering disciples, including the twelve apostles, one of whom is Judas Iscariot.
c. AD 30
Judas's Growing Discontent
Judas, likely driven by avarice or disappointment with Jesus' perceived lack of worldly power, begins to entertain thoughts of betrayal.
c. AD 30— this verse
Satan's Influence on Judas
Satan seizes upon Judas's inner turmoil and greed, influencing him to seek out the chief priests and captains to arrange the betrayal of Jesus.
c. AD 30
The Agreement to Betray Jesus
Judas meets with the Jerusalem authorities, agreeing to betray Jesus into their hands, for which he is promised a sum of money.
This passage directly references the same event, noting that 'the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,' providing a crucial glimpse into the internal struggle and temptation Judas faced before Satan fully took hold.
Acts 5:3Peter's confrontation with Ananias and Sapphira uses the same stark language: 'Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?' This shows a pattern in Scripture where significant acts of sin and deception are linked to Satan's direct influence.
1 Samuel 16:14This Old Testament passage describes a similar, though not identical, divine influence: 'Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him.' It illustrates how both God's Spirit and opposing spiritual forces can affect human hearts and minds.
Ephesians 2:2Paul describes the unsaved as living 'according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.' This broadens the scope, showing that Satan's influence is a pervasive reality for those not aligned with God, and Judas's experience is a tragic, concentrated example of this.
1 Peter 5:8Peter issues a clear warning: 'Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.' This verse directly speaks to the ongoing spiritual warfare and the vigilance required, making Judas's surrender to Satan a cautionary tale.
pooleLuke 22:3: "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve."
Ver. 3-14. See Poole on "Matthew 26:14" , and following verses to Matthew 26:19 . See Poole on "Mark 14:10" , and following verses to Mark 14:16 .
barnesLuke 22:3: "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve."
Then entered Satan into Judas - It is not necessary to suppose that Satan entered personally into the body of Judas, but only that he brought him under his influence; he filled his mind with an evil passion, and led him on to betray his Master. The particular passion of which Satan made use was "avarice" - probably the besetting sin of Judas. To show its exceeding evil and baseness, it is only neces…
What's striking here is that Satan didn't just influence Judas; the text says he entered him, highlighting how a specific, existing greed could become an open door for evil. This wasn't a sudden impulse, but a deep invasion of a heart already leaning towards avarice, turning one of Jesus' closest followers into an instrument of darkness.
As Jesus prepares for the Passover meal, the gravity of his impending suffering looms. Luke highlights a crucial turning point: Satan seizes the opportunity to influence Judas, one of the twelve apostles, setting in motion the betrayal that will lead to Jesus' arrest. This pivotal moment underscores the spiritual battle at play, even within Jesus' closest circle.
As Jesus prepares for the Passover meal, the gravity of his impending suffering looms. Luke highlights a crucial turning point: Satan seizes the opportunity to influence Judas, one of the twelve apostles, setting in motion the betrayal that will lead to Jesus' arrest. This pivotal moment underscores the spiritual battle at play, even within Jesus' closest circle.
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c. AD 30
The Last Supper
During the Passover meal, Jesus reveals that one of his closest followers will betray him, and shortly thereafter, Judas leaves to finalize the plan.
c. AD 30
Arrest of Jesus
Guided by Judas, a detachment of soldiers and temple guards arrests Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
"Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve." — What's striking here is that Satan didn't just influence Judas; the text says he entered him, highlighting how a specific, existing greed could become an open door for evil. This wasn't a sudden…
