FFT

I just had an interesting thought, but I don't have too much time to work on it. The Gospel of John details the beginning of Judas's betrayal—"Satan entered into him." I'm wondering: what if we replace references to "Satan" with "Judas?" Judas was Jesus's accuser, "satan" literally means "accuser."

Does it work?

Agenda07

I understood "Satan entered into him" to be poetic language for "a rebelious mindset took him over" rather than a reference to possession. I could be wrong though.

Toto

This sounds like the modern liberal reading of an ancient text, for people who don't believe in spirits. The writer of the original text believed that Satan was a real spirit.

I don't think that either Satan or Judas were accusers. Satan was originally the adversary, as he is in the book of Job; Judas was the betrayer. Satan evolved from an advocate in God's court to a force of evil in the world

Agenda07

Could be. I'm just reporting what I heard from somewhere else, I can't remember where at the moment.

FFT

You missed what I was saying:

What I'm suggesting is that "Satan entered into him" means "Judas became the accuser." John 13 would then detail Jesus singling him out to be the accuser.

Satan is the Hebrew word for "adversary" and "accuser." Judas was the apostle which accused Jesus.

Anyway, it doesn't appear to work, really. It looks like Satan is only mentioned once in John, in the one chapter.

CaliNORML

There is a quote from Jesus that says:

"I chose thet twelve of you, and one is satan."

KMS

Toto

and likewise

Satan was conceived as a separate entity, not a metaphor for accuser.

And it is a real stretch to say that Judas accused Jesus. He identified him, but the accusations came from the Sanhedrin.

You seem to be working very hard to avoid the idea that the Bible mentions Satan as an evil spirit. Is there a reason for avoiding the plain meaning of the text?

excreationist

By the way, Satan "entered" Judas twice...
Luke 22:3-4
"Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus."

John 13:2,27
"The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus....As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him."

BTW, Satan also means "adversary" not just "accuser". I think "traitor" is a better word to describe Judas. It makes sense that he had no control over his actions (due to being possessed) since he killed himself afterwards.

Magdlyn

The Origin of Satan (or via: amazon.co.uk) by Elaine Pagels might shed light on this subject for many who are speculating.

Jesus also perceives his head disciple, Peter, as Satan.

Mat 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

this is expanded upon in Luke. At the final Pesach meal, Jesus says:

Luk 22:31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
Luk 22:32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren."
Luk 22:33 And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."
Luk 22:34 He said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you three times deny that you know me."

So, it seems to me, Peter and Judas, both betrayers, are seen as similar puppets of Satan. It is unclear whether Jesus' prayers strengthen Peter or not!

DavidfromTexas

Excellent points, but I disagree with your conclusion.

The prayers of Jesus DID strengthen Peter. Yes, Peter denied Christ thrice, but that was expected to happen and was already known ahead of time by Christ... the important issue is what happens to Peter in the end. Peter dies as a martyr FOR Christ. This is VERY important. The Son of God petitions the Father on our behalf. The ones whom the Father has given the Son, come to Him.

Consider the following...

John 6:37-40 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.