This apostle was primarily known by his nickname to prevent any association with the infamous Judas who betrayed Christ.
The final apostle in the list was Judas Iscariot, whose name casts a shadow over the narrative of the Gospel. Identified as "a man from Kerioth," a town in the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:25), his name has been interpreted in various ways. Commonly, it is thought to comprise the words "ish" meaning man and "Kerioth," but some scholars suggest that it might also denote something like "man with a leather belt," signifying his role in handling the treasury. Should this title have been ascribed to him posthumously, other interpretations may apply, referencing attributes such as "man of blows" or "man of lies." Everything points to him as a figure overwhelmingly consumed by self-interest. Often, such selfishness is accompanied by a deceptive openness towards those perceived as offering potential gain. It is likely that Judas was drawn to Christ due to the fervor with which others welcomed Him, anticipating the establishment of the Messiah’s kingdom and all the marvelous benefits it would bestow upon the Jews. His fervor for the Messianic cause could have contributed to his selection among the twelve. It is even plausible that he initially harbored genuine belief in Christ as the Messiah, albeit in a materially driven sense common among the Jewish leaders. However, when his expectations were unmet, his self-serving nature overpowered his better inclinations, leading him to betrayal.
Although Christ knew of Judas’s malevolent heart, His choice to include him among the twelve was meant to bring him near to the very Source of goodness and to afford him opportunities for renewal and transformation. Yet, despite this supreme gift of mercy, Judas failed to embrace it. Ironically, his treachery inadvertently served the divine purpose of Christ. In his moments of despair following his betrayal, he bore reluctant witness to his Master. In stark contrast to the denials of even the chief apostles at a crucial juncture, when one declared, "I know not this man," Judas confessed to the authorities, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." Thus was formed the new assembly of Christ's closest followers and disciples, bestowed with the grave honor of being the heralds of the Gospel.
It is noteworthy that these individuals, chosen for such a monumental mission, were not remarkable figures by worldly standards, and historical accounts about them remain sparse. By the second century, the particulars of their lives and deeds were already clouded in legend. They were not renowned for grand achievements but faithfully fulfilled their divine vocation, achieving results that eclipsed even the most celebrated victories of worldly conquerors, for these ordinary fishermen and tax collectors conquered the world with an enduring triumph. However, to become effective fishers of men, these newly appointed disciples needed to undergo a journey of spiritual formation under the guidance of their Divine Teacher. This process was fraught with difficulty. Emerging from the commonplace circumstances of daily life, where earthly concerns overshadowed spiritual understanding, the apostles struggled to fully comprehend the exalted calling to which they had been elevated, often failing to grasp the true nature of their Master’s mission.
The great effort required from their Lord to lift their minds from material misconceptions to reveal the pure truth brought Him considerable anguish. He lamented, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?" (Mark 9:19). Time and again, in various situations, the apostles found themselves perplexed, as the Gospels attest to their lack of understanding, their feeble faith, and their focus on earthly concerns rather than spiritual priorities (Mark 4:13, 40; Mark 6:52; Mark 8:17-18, 21, 33; Mark 9:6, 19, 32, 34; Mark 10:24, 32, 35; Mark 14:40). These shortcomings were not rooted in their character, as their hearts were genuinely good, but rather in the prejudices shaped by their upbringing. Thus, despite their struggles to grasp higher truths, they remained devoted to their Master, who, knowing their weaknesses, graciously overlooked their failings, aware that though their flesh was frail, their spirits remained capable of great things. Consequently, He lovingly referred to them as brothers, children, and friends (Matthew 25:40; John 13:33; John 15:14-15).
As His disciples observed the depth of His love, they became increasingly eager to understand the essence and spirit of His teachings and example. Gradually, they experienced spiritual elevation and growth. However, His instruction differed significantly from the typical teachings imparted by the rabbis. They did not receive formal, systematic lessons from Him, but rather gleaned insights through His public preaching and private discussions when they sought clarification on topics they found confusing (Mark 7:17-18; Mark 8:5-37; Mark 9:19; Mark 10:36). Yet most importantly, His life itself served as the most profound lesson; it stood as an exemplary model for them. So captivated were they by His life and teachings that they often lost sight of their own identities, leading the Gospel writers to omit personal mentions of the apostles. Christ alone filled their thoughts and hearts, resulting in a remarkable transformation. In the short time they shared with Him—especially in the intimate setting of their beloved mountains and the shores of the familiar lake, breathing the same air, hearing His voice, witnessing His life, and marveling at His miraculous works—they were profoundly renewed. Their faith transcended even that of the prophets and kings from the Old Testament, many of whom longed to witness the Messiah and hear His divine teachings, yet were not granted such opportunities (Luke 10:24).
THEOSIS