Luke 6:16

Luke 6:16, in plain English

Last were Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot — the one who would ultimately betray Jesus.

Why it's here

Even knowing what Judas would do, Jesus chose him. The mystery of that choice reminds us that following Jesus is always a matter of the heart.

Who's speaking

Luke finishes the apostle list, noting Judas Iscariot's future betrayal.

Where it sits in the story

Proximity to Jesus doesn't guarantee loyalty. Judas walked with Jesus every day and still chose betrayal. It's a sobering reminder that knowing about Jesus is not the same as truly knowing Him.

The scholarly reading

Judas son of James (also called Thaddaeus) and Judas Iskariōth complete the list. Luke's designation of Judas as prodotēs ("traitor/betrayer") foreshadows his role in the passion narrative.

Language and setting

The inclusion of Judas among the chosen Twelve, with the foreknowledge of his betrayal, raises profound theological questions about divine sovereignty and human freedom.

Voice

Luke completes the apostolic list, ending with the future betrayer.

Significance

The list begins with Peter (the Rock) and ends with Judas (the traitor) — a literary framing that encapsulates the full range of human response to Jesus' call, from faithful devotion to ultimate betrayal.

14Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;

15Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;

16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

17Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.

18They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed.

Read all of Luke 6 — Blessed are the poor; woe to the rich. Jesus delivers his version of the great sermon and demands a love so radical it includes your enemies.