Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is how the text emphasizes that Satan's influence wasn't a random external force, but an intrusion into someone already counted among the twelve. This detail amplifies the tragedy, highlighting that even within Jesus' closest circle, the battle for the soul could rage, and a cherished position didn't automatically grant immunity from profound darkness.
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is just days away from the cross, and the tension is thick as he gathers with his disciples for the Passover meal. In this pivotal moment, Luke reveals the spiritual dimension behind Judas's betrayal, explaining that Satan took possession of him. This sets the stage for Judas's decision to go to the chief priests and captains and agree to hand Jesus over, marking the beginning of the end of Jesus' earthly ministry.
Have you ever wondered how evil influences can take hold of someone? This verse points to a chilling truth: Satan often exploits what's already inside us.
The text states, 'Then Satan entered into Judas.' This isn't about a demonically possessed puppet, but about Satan exploiting Judas's existing flaws.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Commentators suggest Satan used Judas's greed, a passion already present. Instead of creating a new sin, Satan amplified and weaponized what Judas already struggled with. Think of it like a skilled fisherman using the right bait for a specific fish.
The Danger of Open Doors
This highlights a crucial spiritual principle: Satan finds fertile ground in unchecked desires and unconfessed sins. When we allow certain passions to dominate our hearts, we create an 'open door' for destructive spiritual influence. It's not that God is powerless, but that He respects our choices and the pathways we create.
Judas wasn't an outsider; he was one of Jesus' closest companions. What does this proximity and subsequent betrayal reveal about the gravity of his fall?
The phrase 'who was of the number of the twelve' is a stark, tragic detail. It underscores the profound shock and devastation caused by Judas's betrayal.
A Sacred Trust Broken
Judas was not just a follower; he was an apostle, chosen and commissioned by Jesus himself. He shared intimate moments, received special teaching, and held a position of trust. His betrayal wasn't just a personal failure; it was a violation of the deepest bonds of loyalty and fellowship.
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Amplified Guilt and Mystery
His position among the twelve intensifies the wickedness of his act. It demonstrates that even those closest to the divine light can turn away, making his story a 'terrible example' of the consequences of choosing darkness. It also raises the profound mystery of why Jesus chose Judas, knowing his eventual fall, highlighting the complex interplay of divine foreknowledge and human responsibility.
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.
Luke highlights that Judas's betrayal wasn't a sudden act, but a tragic culmination of inner struggle and spiritual vulnerability, occurring during a critical moment just before Jesus's crucifixion.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
Jesus selects twelve men from his followers to be his closest companions and to help him in his ministry. Judas Iscariot is among those chosen, despite his inner struggles and potential flaws.
c. AD 30— this verse
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Motivated by greed or other hidden desires, Judas Iscariot approaches the chief priests and temple guards. He offers to hand Jesus over to them, seeking a reward for his betrayal.
c. AD 30
The Chief Priests and Temple Guards Plot
The religious leaders are pleased with Judas's offer, seeing it as an opportunity to arrest Jesus discreetly. They agree to pay him, marking the beginning of their conspiracy.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper
During the Passover meal, Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples. He identifies that one of them will betray him, and the event is marked by deep sorrow and divine revelation.
c. AD 30
Jesus is Arrested in Gethsemane
Guided by Judas, a detachment of soldiers and temple guards finds Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss, leading to his capture.
This verse directly states that the 'devil has been sinning from the beginning' and that 'the Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil,' highlighting the ongoing conflict between good and evil and Satan's active role in opposing God's plan.
Acts 5:3Here, Peter directly asks Ananias why 'Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit,' showing a pattern where Satan can influence and embolden individuals to sin, similar to what happened with Judas.
John 13:2This passage describes the devil putting it 'into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,' providing a parallel account that speaks to the internal thought process and demonic influence preceding the outward action of betrayal.
Matthew 26:14-16This parallel account in Matthew details Judas's agreement with the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver, revealing the specific transaction and motivations that arose after Satan entered into him.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse warns that 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,' which directly relates to the commentary suggesting avarice was the specific passion Satan exploited in Judas.
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 easy to miss here is how the text emphasizes that Satan's influence wasn't a random external force, but an intrusion into someone already counted among the twelve. This detail amplifies the tragedy, highlighting that even within Jesus' closest circle, the battle for the soul could rage, and a cherished position didn't automatically grant immunity from profound darkness.
Jesus is just days away from the cross, and the tension is thick as he gathers with his disciples for the Passover meal. In this pivotal moment, Luke reveals the spiritual dimension behind Judas's betrayal, explaining that Satan took possession of him. This sets the stage for Judas's decision to go to the chief priests and captains and agree to hand Jesus over, marking the beginning of the end of Jesus' earthly ministry.
Jesus is just days away from the cross, and the tension is thick as he gathers with his disciples for the Passover meal. In this pivotal moment, Luke reveals the spiritual dimension behind Judas's betrayal, explaining that Satan took possession of him. This sets the stage for Judas's decision to go to the chief priests and captains and agree to hand Jesus over, marking the beginning of the end of Jesus' earthly ministry.
"Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve." — What's easy to miss here is how the text emphasizes that Satan's influence wasn't a random external force, but an intrusion into someone already counted among the twelve. This detail amplifies the…
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Last reviewed October 2026