Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 26:14

"Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests," — Matthew 26:14 (ASV)

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot — The narrative of St. John leads us, as has been noted, to connect the act of treachery with the event just recorded. There was the shame, and therefore the anger, of detected guilt. There was also the greed for gain that had been robbed of its expected spoil and now thirsted for compensation.

The purpose formed by the priests and scribes after the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:47) may well have become known to him, suggesting the hope of a reward. These feelings were gathering strength during the three days that followed. A sense of disappointment may have also mingled with them, as the kingly entry into Jerusalem was not followed by an immediate victory.

St. Luke’s words that “Satan entered into Judas” (Luke 22:3) are remarkable for several reasons:

1. They imply the personal influence of the Tempter.
2. They indicate the fiendish tenacity with which he pursued his purpose.
3. They coincide with what St. John relates at a later stage of Judas’s guilt (John 13:27).

Nor can we forget that, even at an earlier period of his discipleship, our Lord had used words that spoke of the “devil-nature” already at work in his soul (John 6:70).