John 6:70

John 6:70, in plain English

Jesus responds to Peter's beautiful confession with a shocking statement: He chose all twelve of them, but one of them is a devil. Even the inner circle has a traitor.

Why it's here

Just when things seem settled, Jesus drops a bombshell. He is not naive about the people closest to Him. He knows exactly what is coming.

Who's speaking

Jesus replies to the Twelve with words that must have sent a chill through the room.

Where it sits in the story

This is a reminder that being close to Jesus does not automatically mean being faithful to Him. Jesus chose Judas knowing what he would do. The mystery of that choice is one of the deepest in the Gospels.

The scholarly reading

Jesus responds to Peter's confession with a sobering counterpoint: He chose (exelexamēn) the Twelve Himself, yet one of them is diabolos (a devil/slanderer), introducing the theme of betrayal within the inner circle.

Language and setting

The term diabolos is shocking when applied to a disciple and may mean slanderer or accuser (its literal sense) or may identify Judas with the devil's agency. Jesus' foreknowledge of betrayal does not negate His sovereign choice.

Voice

Jesus responds to the corporate confession with a jarring revelation that one of the Twelve He personally chose is aligned with the adversary.

Significance

Even in the moment of Peter's great confession, Jesus introduces a shadow. Divine choice does not guarantee human faithfulness. Among the most trusted inner circle, a traitor hides.

68Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.

69We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”

70Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”

71He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.

Read all of John 6 — Jesus feeds five thousand, walks on water, and then makes a claim so shocking that many of his followers abandon him on the spot.