Judas Iscariot: Villain or Greatest Disciple?

[Siegfried]

Well, we all know the tale of how Judas betrayed Jesus for gold, but, if you think about it, His crucifixion would have never happened without Judas. Might it be that Judas knew what had to be and took on the greatest mission from which he would be infamous forever? Was he essential in fulfilling Jesus' purpose on Earth? Just some food for thought. What do you think?

[Jake Featherston]

Judas was a villain, by any standard. One might as well suggest serial murderers of innocent children are heroic, because they are sending kids off to an early Heavenly reward.

[Siegfried]

Judas was a villain, by any standard. One might as well suggest serial murderers of innocent children are heroic, because they are sending kids off to an early Heavenly reward.

Yes, but was it not necessary that somebody betray Him so He could save us from death? And, Judas did commit suicide afterwards: he could have continued living and used the money for his own purposes, but he tried to return it to the rabbis, and when they didn't accept it, he threw it away.

[Jake Featherston]

It should also be noted that Judas didn't betray Jesus in the sense of his betrayal actually deciding the issue of Jesus's crucifixtion. The only reason Jesus was crucified was because he chose to be. If he didn't wish to be, then Judas's betrayal would have no more led to Jesus' execution than did all the other time the local authorities tried to execute him, but were unable to capture him.

[Jake Featherston]

Yes, but was it not necessary that somebody betray Him

No, it was not. Jesus could be captured by the Pharisees' henchmen anytime he chose to allow them to capture him.

[Siegfried]

No, it was not. Jesus could be captured by the Pharisees' henchmen anytime he chose to allow them to capture him.

Yet he knew Judas would betray him; he probably must have served some purpose to Jesus. Either way, it's just an idea.

[Solin]

Yes, but was it not necessary that somebody betray Him so He could save us from death? And, Judas did commit suicide afterwards: he could have continued living and used the money for his own purposes, but he tried to return it to the rabbis, and when they didn't accept it, he threw it away.

Thats the problem. He killed himself.

[Siegfried]

Thats the problem. He killed himself.

Yes, that's a controversial part. I'm just curious: is suicide forbidden in the Bible or is just part of the doctrine of Churches? It's probably not something God likes, but, I think in his case, he was punishing himself for what he did.

[Solin]

Yes, that's a controversial part. I'm just curious: is suicide forbidden in the Bible or is just part of the doctrine of Churches? It's probably not something God likes, but, I think in his case, he was punishing himself for what he did.

Suicide is according the Bible one of the worsts sins. There are plenty of reasons for suicide, so one is worse than the other. If for example someone decides to die in order to save someone else life of lives is a totally different topic.

According to the New Testament if a person truly repents whatever that person has done sins are forgiven but Judas it seems did not repent but commited one of the worst sins.

Do not take my words for real because I am not a theology expert. I am speaking based on my experience with theology and little knowledge I have regarding this issuse

[Siegfried]

Suicide is according the Bible one of the worsts sins. There are plenty of reasons for suicide, so one is worse than the other. If for example someone decides to die in order to save someone else life of lives is a totally different topic.

According to the New Testament if a person truly repents whatever that person has done sins are forgiven but Judas it seems did not repent but commited one of the worst sins.

Do not take my words for real because I am not a theology expert. I am speaking based on my experience with theology and little knowledge I have regarding this issuse

Are there any passages describing suicide that you could show me? Thanks.

I'm not a theologian either: I've read a bit of C. S. Lewis theological works but not much beside that. According to him, killing as a punishment (such as capital punishment) is not a sin, but enjoying killing or killing for personal gain (in other words, murder) is sinful. I think Judas punished himself for his actions, but, as you say, it would have probably been better had he repented.