Judas Iscariot - Apostle-Betrayer by Bulgakov Sergius
Author:Bulgakov, Sergius [Bulgakov, Sergius]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-04-02T16:00:00+00:00
Part 2 (dogmatic).
In the gospel narrative about Judas, the two types, synoptic and Johannine, come into sharp contrast, and in combination they present an obvious antinomy. In the synoptics we have, with various shades and details, the tale of Judas’ apostolate and of his betrayal, in such a way as the story may have been observed by contemporaries or set out by an historian. This is an historically pragmatic exposition (although in Luke, the only one of the synoptics to point out that the devil entered Judas, there is already an indication of a transition into Johannine Judology). The Gospel according to John, which tends in its revelation towards the divine aspect in the Godman, sets out the historic events relating to Judas in the light of divine foreknowledge and predetermination. Here history becomes transparent for eternity, for which there is neither development nor becoming, but only being, established before all ages. In particular, in the exposition of Judas’ story, what is shown here is Christ’s knowledge from the outset of His betrayer (Jn 13:19) as well as the predetermination of the betrayal. It is enough to compare all the texts of John relating to Judas, to see with what striking distinction this goal is achieved. Even from the very beginning, the general form is evident: “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” (Jn 2:24-25), which is confirmed in the choosing of the apostles (especially Nathanael). Later, in the speech about the Eucharist, it is said of Jesus: “For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him” (6:64), and then Jesus says directly (to the apostles): “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” [39] “He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was (ημελλεν) [40] later to betray him”. Later at the Last Supper, in the washing of the feet, which in John is an occasion for denouncing Judas, it says: “For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean” (13:11). Further on, addressing the disciples, Jesus says: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfil this passage of Scripture: “He who shared my bread has lifted his heel against me.”[Ps. 41:9] I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.” (13:17-19). And finally, in the high-priestly prayer (Jn 17:12), also alluding to Judas: “those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled” (AKJV) (Ps. 109:4-8; 17). This idea of
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