He was born in Judea, in the town of Kerioth. His parents were devout; they probably spent more time in the temple (if only because of proximity) than the parents of any other disciple. They must have been acquainted with Scripture ... and I’ve often wondered if they mused over the Proverbs as they chose a name for their young son:

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches."

In any case, they chose a good name. They chose a name that had been held by one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and as such became the name of one of the tribes of Israel. They chose a name that had been held by one of the Macabbean heroes who had led a successful revolt for Israel a couple of centuries earlier. They chose a name that meant, literally, "praise of God." They called their son, Judas.

That wa…