Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
Scripture does not really refer to him as "the fraud" and considers him part of the 12, it doesn't really talk about the "11 + 1". They even replaced his position after Judas died.
He was a disciple, he was chosen by Christ, the Psalms call him one of Jesus's closest friends. From the point of view of an external observer, he was a believer. We cannot know his heart, I agree, and that's why I prefer to see him as a believer, outwardly, it's easier to explain.
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Yes, Judas was a friend, a close companion. When Jesus reclined at the Passover table with the disciples, John leaned against His breast. But who did Jesus lean on? Judas. This is why only John heard the conversation between Jesus and Judas in John 13.21-30.
Judas was His personal valet, a very close companion, to Jesus. The Father allowed His Son to be betrayed, as David also was in type, to initiate the Passion of His Beloved. Why did God design this extra affliction? In the wilderness Jesus battled the devil directly enduring multiple temptations after starving 40 days. Here at His final meal, the devil entered into His closest friend in order to betray Him.