Luke 22:3-6
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is how Luke highlights the stark contrast between Judas's outward position as one of Jesus's closest disciples and his inner state, being fully taken over by Satan. This isn't just about a betrayal; it's about the deepest corruption happening within the very circle of twelve meant to represent God's people.
Jesus' betrayal is set in motion as Satan takes control of Judas, one of the twelve disciples, fueling his greed and plotting. This action immediately precedes Judas's secret dealings with the chief priests, who eagerly agree to pay him for Jesus' capture. The narrative then focuses on Jesus preparing His closest followers for His impending arrest and death during the Passover meal.
What does it mean for Satan to 'enter into' someone? It's more than just a bad thought or a moment of weakness.
The phrase 'Satan entered into Judas' (εἰσῆλθε) suggests a powerful, invasive influence. In the Gospels, this verb is often used for demons taking possession of bodies. Here, it signifies Satan seizing control of Judas's inner being, escalating his internal desires into decisive action.
It wasn't that Satan created a new evil in Judas, but rather that he amplified Judas's existing flaws – particularly greed – to a catastrophic level. Satan works by exploiting our native passions and turning them towards destruction. This isn't about being forced to act against your nature, but being led to act out your deepest, darkest tendencies.
Judas was one of Jesus's closest followers. How did he become the one to betray Him?
The tragedy of Judas isn't just his betrayal, but the stark contrast between his privileged position and his ultimate action. He was 'of the number of the twelve,' meaning he was an insider, privy to Jesus's closest circles and even entrusted with finances. This closeness made his fall even more devastating.
His motivation, as suggested by the commentaries, was likely a perverted form of ambition or greed. When Jesus’s kingdom didn't align with Judas’s worldly expectations, and perhaps seeing Jesus heading towards a violent end, Judas saw an opportunity for personal gain. Satan exploited this pre-existing 'door' of covetousness and disappointment to push him toward the horrific act.
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.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
The act of delivering someone to an enemy, often involving treachery or a breach of trust. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the handing over of Jesus to be executed.
stratēgos · Greek Noun
Temple guards or police who acted under the authority of the chief priests to maintain order and carry out arrests in the temple precincts.
paradidomi · Greek Verb
A deliberate act of treachery or turning over a person to their enemies, often implying a breach of trust or loyalty. In the NT, it is used specifically for Judas's action against Jesus.
This verse highlights how Judas's betrayal wasn't a sudden impulse but the culmination of his own desires (like greed) being exploited by spiritual forces at a critical moment, just as Jesus's ministry neared its tragic end.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and performing miracles, attracting crowds and significant attention throughout Galilee and Judea.
c. AD 30
Jesus Reveals His Coming Death
Jesus repeatedly predicts his suffering, death, and resurrection, a message that likely confused and perhaps discouraged some of his followers, including Judas.
c. AD 30
Anointing at Bethany
A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, an act some disciples, including Judas, criticized as wasteful. This event may have solidified Judas's resentment or his practical calculations about Jesus's future.
Early April AD 30— this verse
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Driven by greed and perhaps disappointment, Judas secretly meets with the chief priests and temple guards, agreeing to hand Jesus over to them for a sum of money.
This passage describes Satan entering Judas at the Last Supper, showing a progression of Satan's influence that culminates in the betrayal.
Acts 5:3Peter directly asks Ananias why he 'allowed Satan to fill his heart' to lie to the Holy Spirit, showing a parallel between Satan influencing Judas and other believers.
Ephesians 4:27This verse warns believers not to give the devil an opportunity, directly relating to how Judas's choices opened the door for Satan's influence.
1 Peter 5:8Peter urges believers to be sober and vigilant because their adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, highlighting the constant danger of spiritual opposition that Judas succumbed to.
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 is how Luke highlights the stark contrast between Judas's outward position as one of Jesus's closest disciples and his inner state, being fully taken over by Satan. This isn't just about a betrayal; it's about the deepest corruption happening within the very circle of twelve meant to represent God's people.
Jesus' betrayal is set in motion as Satan takes control of Judas, one of the twelve disciples, fueling his greed and plotting. This action immediately precedes Judas's secret dealings with the chief priests, who eagerly agree to pay him for Jesus' capture. The narrative then focuses on Jesus preparing His closest followers for His impending arrest and death during the Passover meal.
Jesus' betrayal is set in motion as Satan takes control of Judas, one of the twelve disciples, fueling his greed and plotting. This action immediately precedes Judas's secret dealings with the chief priests, who eagerly agree to pay him for Jesus' capture. The narrative then focuses on Jesus preparing His closest followers for His impending arrest and death during the Passover meal.
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Night of Passover Meal
Satan Fully Influences Judas
During the Last Supper, Satan fully takes hold of Judas, empowering him to fulfill his treacherous agreement and betray Jesus to the authorities.
Night of Passover Meal
Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane
Led by Judas, a crowd armed with swords and clubs arrests Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, marking the beginning of his trial and crucifixion.
"Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he con…" — What's easy to miss is how Luke highlights the stark contrast between Judas's outward position as one of Jesus's closest disciples and his inner state, being fully taken over by Satan. This isn't j…
