JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

December 1987

Dear Friend:

You asked that we explain the apparent contradiction between Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18. Did Judas Iscariot, after betraying Christ, hang himself or just swell up and burst open?

We should first understand that God had His Word recorded in such a way that it could be misunderstood. Through one of the prophets we find that the Bible is written "here a little, and there a little" (Isa. 28:10). Each part is true, but the whole truth about a particular subject may not be found in any one verse or chapter. This is one reason Paul said that the Word of God must be rightly divided (II Tim. 2:15).

By putting the two accounts of Judas' death TOGETHER we get a clearer idea of what happened. Both events are true. But both events did not happen at the same time.

Matthew wrote that Judas "hanged himself" (Matt. 27:5). Luke explained what happened later -- AFTER Judas' body began to decompose. The corpse slipped from the rope and burst when it fell.

Whenever we can assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT