JOHN 6:70–71
THE BETRAYER AMONG THE TWELVE
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – John 6:70–71
70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?”
71 He was referring to Judas, the son of Simon the Iscariot; it was he who would betray him, one of the Twelve.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish thought, to be “chosen” implied a divine calling and responsibility, as seen in Israel’s election and the calling of the Twelve as symbolic representatives of the twelve tribes. Jesus’ statement introduces a tragic paradox: divine election does not remove human freedom. The term “devil” reflects the Hebrew concept of an accuser or adversary, one who opposes God’s plan. Judas’ identity as one of the Twelve intensifies the gravity of the betrayal, as treachery from within was considered especially grievous in Jewish culture.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the mystery of human freedom alongside divine election. Catholic theology affirms that grace does not eliminate free will. Judas is chosen and called, yet he freely chooses betrayal. Jesus’ foreknowledge does not negate Judas’ responsibility. The presence of betrayal within the circle of disciples also teaches that the Church, while divinely founded, remains composed of sinners in need of grace. Christ’s mission continues even in the face of internal failure.
Parallels in Scripture
Psalm 41:10 – Betrayal by a close companion.
Zechariah 11:12–13 – The price of betrayal.
Matthew 26:21–25 – Jesus foretelling the betrayal.
Luke 22:3–6 – Satan entering Judas.
Acts 1:16–20 – Fulfillment of Scripture in Judas’ betrayal.
Key Terms
Chosen – Divine calling and mission.
The Twelve – Symbol of restored Israel.
Devil – One who opposes God’s purpose.
Betray – Act of treachery and rejection.
Judas Iscariot – The disciple who turns away.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Holy Week and Ordinary Time as a sober reminder of the cost of discipleship. The Church uses this passage to call believers to vigilance, humility, and fidelity, especially in positions of trust and service.
Conclusion
John 6:70–71 closes the Bread of Life discourse with a note of warning. Even among the chosen, betrayal is possible when faith gives way to self-interest. The passage invites believers to examine their own fidelity to Christ.
Reflection
Do I take my calling as a Christian seriously?
Are there ways in which I betray Christ through my choices?
How do I guard my heart against turning away from Jesus?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You know the hearts of all. Keep me faithful to the calling You have given me. Protect me from pride, fear, and betrayal, and strengthen my love for You, that I may remain true to You always. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
John 6:70–71 closes the Bread of Life discourse with a sobering revelation that stands in sharp contrast to Peter’s confession of faith. After affirming the Twelve as those chosen to remain, Jesus discloses a painful truth: “Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?” John clarifies that Jesus is speaking of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who will later betray Him. The statement introduces betrayal not as a sudden accident, but as a reality already present within the circle of disciples.
This moment reveals the tension between divine election and human freedom. Judas is chosen, called, and included among the Twelve, yet he allows his heart to turn away. The term “devil” does not deny Judas’ humanity; it exposes his alignment with opposition to God’s saving work. The Bread of Life discourse thus ends not only with a call to faith, but with a warning: proximity to Jesus does not automatically guarantee fidelity. Even among those who hear the deepest mysteries, resistance can grow within the heart.
Jn 6:70 — “Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?’”
This verse introduces a sobering counterpoint to Peter’s confession of faith. Even as the Twelve affirm belief, Jesus reveals that faith and betrayal can coexist within the same circle. Divine choosing does not eliminate human freedom, nor does proximity to holiness guarantee fidelity.
“Jesus answered them” shows that Peter’s confession does not end the conversation. Jesus receives their faith, yet immediately deepens the realism of discipleship. True faith must face the reality of sin and betrayal, not ignore it.
“Did I not choose you twelve?” affirms divine election. The Twelve are not self-appointed; they are personally chosen by Jesus. Their vocation is a gift of grace, rooted in His initiative, not their merit.
“Yet is not one of you a devil?” is stark and unsettling. Jesus does not name Judas here, but exposes the presence of evil within the chosen group. The term “devil” points not to nature but to alignment—one who will act as an adversary, opposing God’s plan from within.
This statement reveals that betrayal is not accidental or sudden. It develops within intimacy, shared mission, and shared teaching. Jesus knows this and still chooses, teaches, and loves fully.
For believers today, this verse warns against false security. Being chosen, baptized, or active in ministry does not remove the need for vigilance and conversion. Grace can be resisted even in the closest proximity to Christ.
Historical and Jewish Context
In biblical tradition, chosen leaders often include figures who fall through infidelity (cf. Saul, Ahithophel). Jesus stands within this tragic pattern, yet surpasses it by knowingly embracing the cost of betrayal.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that grace does not destroy freedom. Even those called to high vocation can fall if they do not cooperate with grace (cf. CCC 600, 1849). Judas’ presence underscores the mystery of evil permitted within God’s saving plan.
Key Terms
Choose — divine election
Twelve — foundation of the new Israel
Devil — adversarial alignment
One of you — betrayal from within
Conclusion
John 6:70 reveals the realism of Jesus’ mission. Faithful confession and tragic betrayal exist side by side. Jesus chooses freely, knowing the cost, and remains faithful even when others will not.
Reflection
Do I rely on my closeness to Jesus—or do I remain vigilant, humbly cooperating with His grace each day?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You know the human heart completely. Keep me faithful to the grace You have given me. Guard me from self-deception, strengthen my perseverance, and help me remain true to You in love and humility. Amen.
Jn 6:71 — “He was referring to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot; it was he who would betray him, one of the Twelve.”
This verse removes all ambiguity and names the tragic reality hinted at in the previous saying. John identifies clearly the one whom Jesus called “a devil.” Betrayal is no longer abstract or symbolic; it is personal, historical, and rooted within the chosen circle.
“He was referring to Judas” provides solemn clarification. The Gospel does not soften the truth. Judas is named, not to scandalize, but to reveal the seriousness of freedom misused. The one who betrays Jesus is not an outsider but a known disciple.
“Son of Simon Iscariot” grounds the betrayal in concrete identity and history. Judas is not a mythic figure of evil but a real person, with lineage and place. Evil enters salvation history through ordinary human choices.
“It was he who would betray him” emphasizes foreknowledge and inevitability without removing responsibility. Jesus knows the outcome, yet Judas remains free. Divine knowledge does not cancel human accountability.
“One of the Twelve” is the most painful phrase. The betrayer belongs to the inner circle—the group chosen to symbolize the new Israel. The depth of betrayal is measured by proximity. Intimacy becomes the context of rejection.
For believers today, this verse is a warning and a call to humility. Even those entrusted with mission, ministry, and closeness to Christ must guard their hearts. Faithfulness is sustained not by position, but by perseverance in grace.
Historical and Jewish Context
In biblical history, betrayal often comes from trusted companions (cf. Ps 41:10). John presents Judas as the ultimate fulfillment of this tragic pattern within the story of salvation.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Judas’ betrayal, while foreknown, remains a free and sinful act. God permits it within His saving plan, bringing redemption even from human treachery (cf. CCC 599–600).
Key Terms
Judas Iscariot — historical betrayer
Betray — deliberate act of treachery
One of the Twelve — intimacy turned against trust
Referring — divine clarity, not speculation
Conclusion
John 6:71 closes the Bread of Life discourse with stark realism. The revelation of divine life provokes not only faith but also rejection. Jesus remains the giver of life, even as betrayal takes shape within His closest circle.
Reflection
Do I remain watchful over my heart, knowing that fidelity requires daily cooperation with grace?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You remained faithful even when betrayed by one close to You. Keep my heart humble and vigilant. Strengthen me by Your grace to remain true to You in every choice, and never to turn intimacy with You into indifference or rejection. Amen.
CONCLUSION
For believers today, John 6:70–71 offers a serious call to vigilance and humility. Faith is not secured merely by position, knowledge, or outward participation. One can walk closely with Jesus and still nurture inner resistance. The passage invites self-examination rather than judgment of others, reminding disciples that fidelity must be renewed daily.
At the same time, this text highlights the patience and mercy of Jesus. He does not expose Judas publicly or remove him by force. Love continues to invite conversion even when betrayal is foreseen. Christian discipleship is lived in awareness of human weakness, sustained by grace, and grounded in constant reliance on Christ. The Gospel warns, but it also calls believers to remain faithful in trust, humility, and truth.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You know the hearts of all who follow You. Guard us from hidden resistance, divided loyalties, and gradual turning away from Your truth. Give us humble and vigilant hearts, rooted in grace rather than presumption. Strengthen us to remain faithful in love, especially when temptation and weakness arise. May we walk with You sincerely, nourished by Your word and sustained by Your mercy, now and always. Amen.