Church Fathers Commentary Luke 22:3-6

"And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went away, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might deliver him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them in the absence of the multitude." — Luke 22:3-6 (ASV)

Theophylact of Ohrid: Having already said that the Chief Priests sought a way to put Jesus to death without incurring any danger, he next relates the means that presented itself to them, as the text says, Then entered Satan into Judas.

Titus of Bostra: Satan entered into Judas not by force, but by finding the door open. For, forgetful of all he had seen, Judas now turned his thoughts solely to covetousness.

St. John Chrysostom: St. Luke gives his surname because there was another Judas.

Titus of Bostra: And he adds, one of the twelve, since he completed the number, though he did not truly fulfill the apostolic office. Or the Evangelist adds this, as it were, for the sake of contrast, as if to say, “He was part of the first group of those who were especially chosen.”

The Venerable Bede: There is nothing contrary to this in what John says, that after the sop Satan entered into Judas. For he now entered him as a stranger, but then as one who belonged to him, whom he could lead to do whatever he willed.

St. John Chrysostom: Observe the extreme wickedness of Judas, that he sets out by himself and does this for gain. It follows, And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains.

Theophylact of Ohrid: The magistrates mentioned here were those appointed to take care of the temple buildings. It may be they were also those whom the Romans had placed over the people to keep them from breaking out into riots, for the people were seditious.

St. John Chrysostom: It was through covetousness, then, that Judas became what he was, for it follows, And they covenanted to give him money. Such are the evil passions that covetousness produces; it makes people irreligious and compels them to lose all knowledge of God, though they have received a thousand benefits from Him—indeed, even to injure Him, as it follows when he made his agreement with them.

Theophylact of Ohrid: That is, he bargained and promised. And sought opportunity to betray him to them, without the crowds; that is, when he saw Jesus standing by Himself, apart from the multitude.

The Venerable Bede: Many people shudder at the wickedness of Judas, yet do not guard against it. For whoever despises the laws of truth and love betrays Christ, who is truth and love. This is especially true when a person sins not from weakness or ignorance but, in the likeness of Judas, seeks an opportunity when no one is present to exchange truth for a lie and virtue for a crime.