Acts 1:16

Brethren, it was needful that the Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.

'THAT THE SCRIPTURE SHOULD BE FULFILLED, WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT SPAKE BEFORE BY THE MOUTH OF DAVID'-Another Scripture which asserts that David was an inspired man. And that Scripture is the result when the Holy Spirit speaks through someone (2 Peter 1:20)

'THE SCRIPTURE'-The specific Scripture that Peter is referring to could be the Scripture he later cites in Acts 1:20, which is. quotation from Psalms 69:25; Psalms 109:8. We know that Jesus, in John 13:18. applied Psalms 41:9 to Judas. See also John 17:12.

'SHOULD BE FULFILLED'-

Points to Note:

1. Some think that since the betrayal of Jesus was foretold, that Judas didn't have any choice in the matter. But carefully note that nothing in the above cited passages specifically mentions Judas by name. McGarvey notes, 'They occur in the midst of curses pronounced..concerning wicked men in general who persecute the servants of God. But if it be proper that the habitations of such men in general should be made desolate, and that any office they held should be given to others; it was preeminently so in the case of Judas.' (pp. 14-15)

2. We can't say that Jesus purposefully picked. traitor, for He spent. whole night in prayer before He selected the 12 (Luke 6:12). In addition, we must add that Jesus let the straying Judas know, that He knew what was going on in Judas' heart (John 6:66; John 13:27).

3. Some writers try to excuse Judas' actions. But the fact of the matter is that the Bible offers no excuse for him and uses the strongest language possible in speaking of his character (John 12:3; John 17:12; Acts 1:18 'price of his wickedness.')

'WHO WAS GUIDE TO THEM THAT TOOK JESUS'-Some argue that Judas' intentions for betraying Jesus were good. Barclay says, 'it may well be that Judas never meant Jesus to die. He may well have betrayed Jesus with the intention of forcing Jesus' hand. He may have sought to put Jesus into. position in which, if He was to save His own life, He would be bound to use His power, and where He would be forced to act against the Romans.' (p. 9) In light of John 12:3 and Acts 1:18. I think we must reject this interpretation. And especially in light of John 12:3. we must conclude that Judas simply betrayed Jesus for the money.