Judas Myth #1

HOW DID JUDAS DIE?

Myth: He hung himself from a tree.

Truth: He fell onto a sword.

Matt 27:5 says:
   And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. KJV

It seems pretty clear from this verse that the myth is correct. Even upon looking up the word "hanged" in the Greek, apagchomai, to choke, strangle or throttle, it seems clear cut. Unfortunately this is the only gospel that says anything about it.

The answer lies in Acts 1:16-18:

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. KJV

This does not happen from being hung by the neck! Let's see how some other versions handle this verse.
Acts 1:18-19 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. NASU

Acts 1:18  "As you know, he took the evil bribe money and bought a small farm. There he came to a bad end, rupturing his belly and spilling his guts. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Acts 1:18-19  (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

In all these different translations/versions it doesn't specifically say how this came about, but this is exactly how King Saul killed himself.

1 Sam 31:4-5  Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it (headlong). And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

KJV

Sometimes the answers we are looking for are not always right in front of us. Sometimes they have to be searched for. Sometimes we have to spend "some time" finding them.