Who was Judas Iscariot?
As with many Biblical characters, details of Judas are sketchy. Some scholars now doubt that he even existed, for Paul, the earliest New Testament writer, does not mention him by name. Further, throughout Christian history, his character has been used by Christians as part of their anti-Semitic stereotype of greed and treachery, so some suspect that the character of Judas was later created to justify this prejudice. Even the exact meaning of his second name is mysterious, as it has been interpreted to mean that he was from a place called “Kerioth,” or that he was a member of the armed opposition to Rome (using a “sicarius,” a dagger, as a weapon). The legend that he had red hair has also been connected to “Iscariot,” relating it to the Aramaic for “red.” Some suggest the name is a later addition, related to the Hebrew for “false one” or “betrayer,” thereby building Judas’ role into his name. The one act Judas is known for – “betraying” Jesus to Roman authorities to be put to death – is
