New Testament
Acts 1:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But with the money he earned for his wickedness, he bought a field. There he fell headfirst, his body split open, and his intestines spilled out.
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Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
What Acts 1:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse describes the tragic end of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for money. After his betrayal, he used the money he earned from this wicked act to buy a field. However, his life ended in a gruesome way. He fell headfirst, and his body split open, leading to a horrific scene. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of greed and betrayal. Judas's actions not only led to his own demise but also left a lasting impact on the early followers of Jesus. His story illustrates how choices driven by selfishness can lead to devastating outcomes, both physically and spiritually. It’s a powerful warning about the dangers of letting greed and betrayal guide our decisions, reminding us to choose integrity over temptation. Reflecting on Judas's fate can help us understand the importance of making choices that align with our values and the potential consequences of our actions in life. We must be mindful of the paths we choose and the motivations behind them.
How to apply Acts 1:18 to your life
Consider the motivations behind your decisions. Are they driven by integrity or selfish desires? Reflect on how your choices can impact not only your life but also those around you. Strive to make decisions that align with your values and lead to positive outcomes. Remember, every choice has consequences, so choose wisely.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Matthias Is Chosen (Acts 1:12–26)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying Acts 1:18
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 1:18 mean?
Acts 1:18 describes the fate of Judas Iscariot after betraying Jesus. He used the money he earned from his betrayal to buy a field, but ultimately met a gruesome end, highlighting the severe consequences of his actions.
What is the significance of Judas buying a field in Acts 1:18?
Judas buying a field with the money from his betrayal symbolizes the tragic outcome of his greed and betrayal. It serves as a reminder of how choices driven by selfishness can lead to dire consequences.
What happened to Judas according to Acts 1:18?
According to Acts 1:18, Judas fell headfirst in a field he purchased, resulting in his body splitting open and his intestines spilling out. This gruesome detail emphasizes the severity of his betrayal and its consequences.
What themes are present in Acts 1:18?
Acts 1:18 presents themes of betrayal, consequences, greed, and the importance of making choices aligned with integrity. It illustrates how selfish decisions can lead to devastating outcomes.
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