@Lizbeth @Wrangler @amigo de christo @ProDeo
In Acts 1:18 we have considerable insight into Peter's view of Judas.
Acts 1:18 "Now
this man acquired
a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out."
This phrase reflects Peter's intense loathing of the betrayer, Judas. He was no longer considered worthy of being referred to as anything other than "this man!" Interestingly, the Greek text does not include the word for "man," but simply states
"houtok", meaning "this!" This stark phrasing emphasizes Judas's degradation.
"Purchased a field with the reward of iniquity"
It wasn’t the thirty pieces of silver, as mentioned in Matthew 27:6, but rather the proceeds of Judas's theft, referred to in John 12:6. The field was bought before the crucifixion, but Judas's death caused it to be put back on the market. The priests later bought it to serve as a burial ground for Gentiles, as described in Matthew 27:3-8.
WARNING Graphic language follows:
"And falling headlong"
More accurately, this could be translated as "head first" or "head foremost" (Greek:
prenēs). In the very possession he had acquired with the blood money, Judas met his untimely end. The phrase suggests that Judas tied the rope around his neck, leaned forward, and allowed the full weight of his body to fall upon his neck. The limb of the tree, weakened, broke (as noted in
Matthew 27:5), causing him to plunge headfirst over a precipice into the valley below. It seems likely that the tree he chose was positioned on a cliff overlooking the Valley of Hinnom.
"he burst asunder" — The only occurrence of the word elakesen, which means to burst with a noise, such as of bones breaking beneath a blow.
"in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out" Judas fell in such a way that his intestines (Gr. splagchna: spleen) were exposed, and "poured out." There is here a contrast with his Master, whose "soul was poured out unto death" (Isa 53:12) but his sacrifice led to joy and life, whereas the fatality of Judas resulted in ignominy, shame and death.
For those lacking discernment, the devotion of SteVen and Quiets, driven by a need for the love of Judas, may appear commendable or even praiseworthy. However, their reasoning stems from the misguided sentiments of those who do not truly know the God of the Bible and His righteousness.
There is no passage in all of Scripture that suggests there is any hope for Judas. The only reason these two seek to claim otherwise is to advance the doctrine of universal salvation.
I was sad to see ProDeo had also been deceived by their doctrine.
