THE FIELD OF BLOOD (AKELDAMA)
Shalom! Welcome to today’s Bible study.
Today, we’ll examine the sobering story of “the Field of Blood” also called Akeldama a location intimately connected to the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot. Though seemingly just a piece of land, this field became a powerful symbol of sin, shame, and the consequences of turning away from God.
1. What Was the Field of Blood?
The term “Field of Blood” refers to a piece of land that was purchased with the thirty silver coins Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus. After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas returned the money to the chief priests, who then used it to buy a potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. Because it was bought with “blood money,” the land became known as Akeldama, or the Field of Blood.
Matthew 27:3–8 (NKJV)
Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”
And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”
Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”
And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.
Although Judas did not directly buy the land, the money used was his. By Jewish legal and cultural standards, the property was associated with him, and thus became a permanent memorial of his betrayal.
2. Prophetic Fulfillment
The purchase of the Field of Blood wasn’t just an incidental event it was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, showing God’s sovereign knowledge of human actions long before they happen.
Zechariah 11:12–13 (NKJV)
Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.
And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter” that princely price they set on Me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord for the potter.
This was precisely fulfilled when Judas threw the silver into the temple, and the priests bought the potter’s field with it. Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, links this action directly to prophecy:
Matthew 27:9–10 (NKJV)
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”
(Note: Although Matthew attributes the prophecy to Jeremiah, scholars agree it’s a composite prophecy drawing from both Jeremiah 19 and Zechariah 11.)
3. Judas and the Consequences of Betrayal
Judas’ tragic end is a stark warning. He was chosen as a disciple, part of Jesus’ inner circle, and entrusted with responsibilities (John 12:6). Yet, despite his proximity to Christ, his heart remained far. His remorse led not to repentance and forgiveness, but to despair and suicide.
Acts 1:18–19 (NKJV)
(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
This passage in Acts emphasizes that sin may be hidden temporarily, but God brings it to light. Judas’ death and the field became a public testimony of judgment and shame.
4. Theological Lessons for Us Today
A. Secret Sin Will Be Exposed
Judas betrayed Jesus in private, but the Field of Blood declared his guilt to generations. Similarly, King David tried to cover his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), but God sent the prophet Nathan to expose it (2 Samuel 12:7–9). No matter how well-hidden, sin always finds a voice.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NKJV)
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
B. Ill-Gotten Wealth Is Cursed
Money obtained through injustice or unrighteousness whether through bribery, exploitation, or betrayal ultimately brings shame, not blessing.
Proverbs 10:2 (NKJV)
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
We see this principle echoed in Judas’ field. Though meant to serve a noble purpose (burying strangers), its origin gave it a dark reputation.
C. Betraying Christ for Temporary Gain Has Eternal Consequences
Judas traded the Savior for thirty pieces of silver a temporary, worldly gain that cost him his soul.
Mark 8:36–37 (NKJV)
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
We, too, can betray Christ in subtle ways compromising truth for career advancement, relationships, or material gain. But no gain is worth our eternal soul.
D. Remorse Is Not the Same as Repentance
Judas felt remorse, but he did not seek restoration from Christ. Peter also sinned by denying Jesus but repented and was restored (John 21:15–17). Judas isolated himself in shame; Peter ran to Jesus in brokenness.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Live in the Light
The story of Akeldama warns us that our choices carry consequences some that echo even after we’re gone. Let us live with integrity, honor God in secret and in public, and never trade His presence for fleeting gain.
May the Lord Jesus help us to walk in humility and wisdom.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
THE ROLE OF ANGEL MICHAEL FOR GOD’S PEOPLE.
THE ROLE OF ANGEL MICHAEL FOR GOD’S PEOPLE.
Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we deepen our understanding of the Word of God.
Today, we will study the Archangel Michael.
Types of Angels in Heaven
The Bible outlines three primary categories of angels, each with distinct roles:
Angels of Worship – These include the Seraphim and Cherubim, seen in passages such as:
Isaiah 6:2-3 (Seraphim):
“Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings… And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!’”
Ezekiel 10:1-2 (Cherubim):
“And He spoke to the man clothed with linen, and said, ‘Go in among the wheels, under the cherub, fill your hands with coals of fire…’”
Messengers – Angels like Gabriel, who deliver divine messages.
Luke 1:26-28:
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth…”Daniel 8:16 & 9:21: Gabriel interprets visions and delivers messages.
Warrior Angels – These include Michael, whose role is to wage spiritual warfare on behalf of God’s people.
Is Michael the Same as Jesus?
Some traditions suggest that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ. However, scripture distinguishes between the two:
Jesus is the Son of God, part of the Trinity, worshiped by angels:
Hebrews 1:5-6:
“For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You’? … Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
Michael is called the archangel (chief angel), a created being:
Jude 1:9:
“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses…”
Therefore, Michael is not Jesus, but a powerful angel appointed by God.
TWO MAIN QUESTIONS ABOUT MICHAEL:
1. Whom Does Michael Fight For?
Michael fights for the nation of Israel and the Church (spiritual Israel).
Daniel 10:21 (NKJV):
“…But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.)”
Daniel 12:1:
“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people…”
Michael is described as the protector of Israel, but his role also extends to the spiritual body of Christ—the Church (Galatians 6:16 refers to the Church as the “Israel of God”).
2. How Does Michael Fight?
Michael does not engage in physical warfare but fights through legal, spiritual arguments in the heavenly court.
Revelation 12:10:
“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength… have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.’”
The Greek word for “devil” is diabolos, meaning “accuser” or “slanderer.” Satan continuously brings charges against the saints before God, just as he did with Job:
Job 1:9-11:
“So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? … But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’”
In contrast, Michael and other holy angels bring forth righteous testimonies on behalf of the saints. They advocate for us in spiritual proceedings before the throne of God.
Jude 1:9:
“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses… said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”
After Moses died, Satan tried to claim his body—possibly arguing that Moses’ sin (Numbers 20:12) disqualified him. But Michael opposed him, likely with righteous testimony of Moses’ faith and service, and God Himself buried Moses in secret (Deuteronomy 34:5-6), to prevent idolatry.
This incident shows us that spiritual warfare involves legal battles in the heavenly realm, not just human effort.If you say you have accepted Christ, but continue in sin (e.g., fornication, gossip, drunkenness, theft, or violence), know that Satan uses those very acts to accuse you before God.
But when you live in obedience, Satan has no grounds for accusation. Instead, Michael and his hosts present your good works before God.
Matthew 18:10:
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
2 Peter 2:11:
“…whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.”
Angels never accuse the saints—they intercede and protect us in spiritual matters.Have you truly repented and forsaken sin?Have you left behind immorality, theft, slander, drunkenness, and hatred?
If not, these are the very things that accuse you before God.
God is calling you to sincere repentance. The grace of Jesus Christ is available, but He demands a changed life.
Romans 6:1-2:
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”
Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)
