Luke the physician wrote, “in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry”, and in chapter one and verse eighteen of the book of Acts Luke wrote how Peter said, “this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity” where we read:
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity;
and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
The verse begins, “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity;” Luke began with the words, “now this man purchased a field” which means “moreover this man, Judas, acquired, obtained, possessed and bought a piece of ground or land” “with the reward” or “by using the due wages and hire” “of iniquity” which means “belonging to injustice, unrighteousness and violation of the law”. Luke shared how “Judas” “acquired or bought” a “piece of ground” with the “wages” he received for his act of unrighteousness of betraying Jesus. (See Matthew 27:3-10 for more information.)
The verse continues, “and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” Luke added the words, “and falling headlong” or “and leaning with his head foremost”, “he burst asunder in the midst” which means “he, Judas, crashed and cracked open in the middle”, “and all his bowels” or “and each, every, the whole and everyone of his, Judas', internal organs such as his intestines, heart, lungs and liver” “gushed out” which means “shed forth, poured out and were distributed largely”. Luke shared when Judas “hung himself” (See Matthew 27:5), he fell from his hanging point and his body burst open releasing all his internal organs.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Peter” made reference to the purchase of the “potter's field” with the thirty pieces of silver which “Judas” returned to the temple leaders after betraying Jesus. In addition, “Peter” noted “Judas'” death and subsequent falling which caused his body to “burst” open and release all his organs. “Peter's” point was that “Judas'” position among the original twelve disciples was now vacant, however, it would behoove us to take a moment to remember what a tragic loss the life of “Judas” was with this event. “Judas” was a follower of Jesus, and he participated in the life, miracles and ministry of Jesus Christ. Although he followed Jesus closely at one time, he began to drift and question situations in Jesus' life. (Remember the inquiry about why the expensive perfume being poured upon Jesus head.) God desires a personal loving relationship with every person, and He wants that relationship to last forever through His Son Jesus. Anyone who yields their life to Jesus will be saved from the penalty for sins, death, and granted everlasting life with God in Heaven. Those who carefully examine what happened to “Judas” should keep themselves in the love and word of Jesus Christ and never allow themselves to be “bought” for the purchase of any “field” or earthly possession.
Next time Luke shares how Peter says the field was known as, “Aceldama, that is to say, the field of blood”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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