275
What was Judas, and what office did he hold?
John: “He was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” ([xii, 6]).
Judas was thus the first Christian treasurer. But why did Jesus, if omniscient, as claimed, select a thief for this office? Was he unable to conduct his ministry without the aid of one?
276
What did Judas receive for betraying his master?
Matthew: “And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver” ([xxvi, 15]).
“It is strange that a man who kept the purse, and knew what he would lose by the death of his chief, should abandon the profits of his office for so small a sum.”—Renan.