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Thursday 10 May 2018

Acts 1:18-20 - Judas

1:18,19
These verses relate what happened to Judas after the betrayal of Jesus. This presents some problems because there appear to be discrepancies between Luke’s account and that found in Matthew (Matt 27:3-10). The points of supposed conflict are:
  • Luke says Judas bought a field, Matthew says the priests bought the field.
  • Matthew says Judas hanged himself, Luke speaks of Judas bursting open.
However, the differences are not as great as might appear. First, let’s note the points of clear agreement. Judas died, and a field called the field of blood (Akeldama) was bought. With regard to the first apparent discrepancy, in Matthew it was Judas’ money that was used to buy the field, so Luke and Matthew could simply be saying the same thing in different ways. With regard to the second point, maybe the rope broke and Judas fell to the ground and his body burst.

1:20

Luke then quotes from Psalm 69:25 and 109:8. The first psalm speaks of the desolation that comes upon those who are enemies of God and His people. Desolation came upon Judas. Working against God is a foolish thing to do and will never end well. Psalm 109 speaks of a guilty man being replaced.  So Luke is providing a backdrop to the appointment of a replacement for Judas.

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