Acts 1:18
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(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
falling headlong, &c.--This information supplements, but by no means contradicts, what is said in Mat 27:5.
Open source ↗The inspired historian begins his narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, I. With a reference to, and a brief recapitulation of, his gospel, or history of the life of Christ, inscribing this, as he had done that, to his friend Theophilus (Act 1:1, Act 1:2). II. With a summary of the proofs of Christ's resurrection, his conference with his disciples, and the instructions he gave them during the forty days, of his continuance on earth (Act 1:3-5). III. With a particular narrative of Christ's ascension into heaven, his disciples' discourse with him before he ascended, and the angels' discourse with them after he ascended (Act 1:6-11). IV. With a general idea of the embryo of the Christian church, and its state from Christ's ascension to the pouring out of the Spirit (Act 1:12-14). V. With a particular account of the filling up of the vacancy that was made in the sacred college by the death of Judas, by the electing of Matthias in his room (Act 1:15-26).
Open source ↗1:18-19 Matthew’s account (Matt 27:3-10) is somewhat different; the two can be harmonized by considering the priests’ purchase of the “Field of Blood” as acting in Judas’s name. In addition, Judas may have committed suicide by hanging, but he subsequently fell headfirst and his body split open, perhaps when the rope broke.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.
The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.
Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes.
To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.
for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’”