and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke carefully distinguishes the two Judases by noting that one "became a traitor," highlighting that Judas Iscariot’s betrayal wasn't his initial identity but a tragic transformation. This subtle wording invites us to consider how one's path can tragically diverge from their beginnings, even within the closest circles.
and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had spent the entire night in prayer before this momentous decision. Now, in the morning, He calls His disciples together and chooses twelve from them, whom He also names as apostles, setting them apart for a special mission. In this list, Luke specifically notes one of the Judases as "the one who became a traitor," immediately distinguishing him from the other Judas and foreshadowing the tragedy to come.
Ever feel like you're being confused with someone else? The disciples had this problem too, with two men named Judas on the team!
It's easy to gloss over this verse, but Luke makes a crucial distinction. He lists 'Judas the son of James' alongside 'Judas Iscariot.' This wasn't just any Judas; the other Judas was known by other names, like Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus, possibly to avoid confusion with the one who would betray Jesus.
Think about it: Jesus intentionally chose twelve, and for one of them, He knew this defining, tragic future. He didn't choose Him because of what he would do, but He knew what would happen. This shows Jesus's complete knowledge, even of the deepest, darkest potential within someone's heart.
Before Jesus made this life-changing decision about His closest followers, He spent an entire night in prayer. What does that tell us?
Luke is incredibly intentional in his Gospel. Right before listing the twelve apostles, he describes Jesus praying all night on a mountain.
This wasn't just downtime; it was preparation. Appointing leaders, especially those who would form the foundation of the Church, was a weighty decision. Jesus models for us that significant choices, especially those involving calling and empowering others, should be bathed in prayer and communion with God.
It underscores that even Jesus, in His human dependence, sought wisdom and direction from His Father before entrusting this vital task.
Understand the original words
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prodotēs · Greek Noun
Refers to a betrayer or one who delivers another into the hands of an enemy. In a biblical context, it specifically identifies the apostate disciple who handed Jesus over to the religious authorities.
Luke introduces Judas Iscariot as 'who became a traitor' right at the naming of the twelve apostles. This isn't a post-event reflection, but a stark foreshadowing within the very moment of their selection, emphasizing that even within the closest circle, the potential for betrayal existed and was known.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Prays and Selects the Twelve
Jesus spent a night in prayer before commissioning the twelve apostles. This solemn act highlights the significance of choosing these men who would lay the foundation for the early church.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and the Twelve's Training
During His public ministry, Jesus taught, healed, and performed miracles, with the twelve apostles accompanying Him. This period was crucial for their spiritual formation and understanding of His mission.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper
At the Passover meal, Jesus shared intimate moments with His disciples, including Judas. He offered warnings and teachings, yet Judas's betrayal was imminent.
c. AD 30
Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane
Judas Iscariot, identifying Jesus with a kiss, betrayed Him to the religious authorities in the Garden of Gethsemane, leading to His arrest.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Jesus was crucified and died, fulfilling prophecies and atoning for the sins of humanity. This event marked the culmination of His earthly mission.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. This event validated His claims and empowered His followers.
c. AD 30-33
The Early Church and the Apostles' Ministry
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel and established the early church. The remaining eleven apostles carried on Jesus' work, with Matthias replacing Judas.
Jesus directly addresses the group of twelve, stating, 'Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil!' This passage highlights the stark contrast between chosen discipleship and hidden betrayal, a theme central to Judas Iscariot's story.
Matthew 26:14-16This passage details Judas Iscariot's explicit agreement with the chief priests to betray Jesus, showing the active decision-making process behind his treachery.
Acts 1:15-20Here, Peter discusses the need to replace Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles after his betrayal and death, underscoring the significance of his role and the disruption his actions caused.
Psalm 41:9This Old Testament psalm is understood by many to prophetically describe the betrayal by a close companion, with Christians seeing it fulfilled in Judas's actions.
1 Corinthians 10:13While not about Judas directly, this verse offers a broader principle of God's faithfulness and the possibility of escape from temptation, prompting reflection on why Judas succumbed when others endured.
pulpitLuke 6:16: "And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor."
Verse 16. - Judas the brother of James; more accurately, Judas, or Jude, son of James, or simply James's Jude. So this disciple is termed in both the writings ascribed to St. Luke (the Gospel and Acts). In St. Matthew's list we find a "Lebbaeus," and in St. Mark's a "Thaddaeus" occupying a position in the third division which in St. Luke's list is filled by "James's Jude." There is no doubt that Lebbaeu…
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
Luke carefully distinguishes the two Judases by noting that one "became a traitor," highlighting that Judas Iscariot’s betrayal wasn't his initial identity but a tragic transformation. This subtle wording invites us to consider how one's path can tragically diverge from their beginnings, even within the closest circles.
Jesus had spent the entire night in prayer before this momentous decision. Now, in the morning, He calls His disciples together and chooses twelve from them, whom He also names as apostles, setting them apart for a special mission. In this list, Luke specifically notes one of the Judases as "the one who became a traitor," immediately distinguishing him from the other Judas and foreshadowing the tragedy to come.
Jesus had spent the entire night in prayer before this momentous decision. Now, in the morning, He calls His disciples together and chooses twelve from them, whom He also names as apostles, setting them apart for a special mission. In this list, Luke specifically notes one of the Judases as "the one who became a traitor," immediately distinguishing him from the other Judas and foreshadowing the tragedy to come.
"and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor." — Luke carefully distinguishes the two Judases by noting that one "became a traitor," highlighting that Judas Iscariot’s betrayal wasn't his initial identity but a tragic transformation. This subtle wo…
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Last reviewed October 2026