Who was named Judas in the New Testament?

The name Judas was a common Jewish name during the time of Christ. It originates from the Hebrew name Judah, meaning “praise.” Because it was such a popular name, the New Testament refers to several men named Judas, each distinct in character and background. However, because of the actions of Judas Iscariot-the disciple who betrayed Jesus-the name later became synonymous with treachery and betrayal. Understanding who these men were helps bring clarity to the New Testament and provides insight into how God used people with the same name for very different purposes.

The Bible mentions at least six individuals named Judas, including apostles, brothers of Jesus, and others connected with early Christian and Jewish history. Below are detailed accounts of each one as described in the Scriptures.

Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot is the most infamous Judas in the New Testament. He was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to follow Him during His ministry (Mark 3:19). Judas walked with Jesus for three and a half years, hearing His teachings and witnessing countless miracles that revealed His divine power. Yet, despite this privilege, Judas ultimately betrayed his Master.

According to Matthew 26:14-16, Judas went to the chief priests and agreed to hand Jesus over to them for thirty pieces of silver. This sum was the traditional price of a slave (Exodus 21:32), symbolizing the depths of Judas’s betrayal and the cheapness with which he valued the Lord. Greed and selfish ambition drove his actions, as John 12:6 explains that Judas was a thief and often stole from the money bag he carried for the disciples.

After betraying Jesus with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:47-48), Judas was overwhelmed with remorse. Matthew 27:3-5 records that he returned the money to the priests, declaring, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” Yet, instead of turning to God in repentance, he went out and hanged himself. Acts 1:18 adds that his body fell and burst open, illustrating the tragic end of one who had rejected grace.

Judas Iscariot’s story serves as a solemn warning about the dangers of greed, hypocrisy, and unrepentant sin. Though he had every opportunity to receive forgiveness, he chose despair instead of redemption.

Judas “Not Iscariot”

Another man named Judas is mentioned among the twelve apostles, but he is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot. In John 14:22, he is referred to as “Judas (not Iscariot),” showing the Gospel writers’ care to separate his identity from that of the betrayer.

This Judas is generally identified with Lebbaeus (Matthew 10:3) or Thaddaeus (Mark 3:18), though the exact connection is uncertain. These names may have been alternative names or nicknames used to distinguish him from others bearing the same name. Multiple names were common in Jewish culture, especially for those who spoke both Aramaic and Greek.

Judas (not Iscariot) demonstrated faithfulness and curiosity. In John 14:22, during the Last Supper, he asked Jesus, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” This question revealed his sincere desire to understand Christ’s mission. Unlike Judas Iscariot, who sought personal gain, this Judas sought spiritual insight and was faithful to the end.

Church tradition holds that he later became a missionary and preached the gospel in places such as Syria and Persia. Some scholars also associate him with the author of the Epistle of Jude, though this remains uncertain.

Judas of Galilee

Judas of Galilee is not a disciple of Jesus but a figure mentioned in Acts 5:37. The apostle Luke records that he led a revolt during the time of the Roman census: “After him, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.”

This Judas, also known as Judas the Galilean or Judas the Gaulonite, was a revolutionary leader who opposed Roman rule over Judea. The Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities xviii.1.1) describes him as a man from the region of Gaulonitis, east of Galilee. His rebellion took place around AD 6, during the census ordered by the Roman governor Quirinius.

Judas of Galilee’s movement aimed to free Israel from Roman taxation and control, refusing to pay tribute to Caesar. His followers believed that acknowledging Roman authority was a betrayal of God’s sovereignty over Israel. The revolt was crushed, Judas was killed, and his followers scattered. However, his rebellion gave rise to the Zealot movement-a group of nationalistic Jews who continued to resist Roman rule, often through violent means.

Though Judas of Galilee was motivated by a desire for Israel’s freedom, his efforts were rooted in human strength rather than faith in God’s plan. His failure demonstrated that political rebellion could not accomplish the spiritual salvation that only Christ could bring.

Judas of Damascus

Another Judas appears in Acts 9:11, during the conversion story of Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul. After Saul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, he was blinded and led into the city. The Lord then instructed the disciple Ananias, saying, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.”

This Judas was a believer in Damascus who owned a house on Straight Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares. The Bible provides no further details about him-his background, occupation, or later life remain unknown. However, his willingness to host Saul, a former persecutor of Christians, demonstrates his obedience and hospitality.

Judas of Damascus represents the quiet but crucial role that ordinary believers played in the early church. Though not a leader or apostle, he provided a safe place for Saul during a pivotal moment in church history. His home became the setting for one of the greatest conversions in the New Testament.

Judas Surnamed Barsabas

Another individual named Judas is found in Acts 15:22. He was known as Judas Barsabas and was a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church. The passage reads, “Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.”

Judas Barsabas was chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas to deliver the decisions of the Jerusalem Council, which addressed whether Gentile converts needed to follow the Mosaic law. Acts 15:32 describes him and Silas as prophets who “exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.”

The name Barsabas was also borne by Joseph (called Justus), one of the candidates to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:23). If Barsabas was a family name, Judas and Joseph may have been brothers, both active in the early Christian community.

Judas Barsabas played an important role in maintaining unity among believers by helping communicate the church’s guidance to Gentile Christians. His ministry of encouragement and teaching reflects the spiritual maturity of the early church leaders.

Judas (Brother of Jesus)

Finally, there is Judas, the brother of Jesus. Matthew 13:55 records the people of Nazareth saying, “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?” This Judas, also known as Jude, was one of Jesus’ younger half-brothers.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, His brothers did not initially believe in Him (John 7:5). However, after the resurrection, they became faithful followers. This Judas is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Jude, where he introduces himself not by his family connection, but with humility: “Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James” (Jude 1:1).

Jude’s epistle strongly warns against false teachers and urges believers to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). His message reflects both his deep devotion to Christ and his pastoral concern for the purity of the church.

Although a relative of the Lord, Jude did not boast of his relationship to Jesus. His self-description as a servant highlights his humility and reverence. His transformation from unbelief to faith shows the power of the gospel, even among those who once doubted.

Conclusion

The New Testament mentions several men named Judas, each distinct in character and destiny. Judas Iscariot stands as the tragic betrayer of Christ. Judas (not Iscariot) was a faithful apostle who sought spiritual understanding. Judas of Galilee was a political zealot who fought against Rome. Judas of Damascus quietly assisted in Saul’s conversion. Judas Barsabas was a respected church leader and prophet. And Judas, the brother of Jesus, became a humble servant and author of Scripture.

Though they shared the same name, their lives tell vastly different stories. Some served God faithfully; one betrayed Him completely. Their examples remind believers that character, not name or position, determines one’s legacy before God. As Jesus Himself said, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20).

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