Satan is not above murder and the silencing of those who steadfastly proclaim the gospel. You may notice that ISIS publicly beheads ‘Christians” not Hindus, Buddhists, or atheists. Satan is only interested in destroying God’s people who confess Jesus as Lord.
1 Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Satan hasn’t softened his approach, mended his ways, or given up. His first attempt at destroying all opposition was evidenced at Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.
We can trace his murderous schemes back to the Garden, but we see here his real desire is to not let Jesus fulfill prophecies or be resurrected after suffering on the cross. Satan uses mankind to perform his dirty work. Here he used Herod, later he will use Judas, the Pharisees, and Pilate.
Luke 22:3-6 And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money. So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.
Satan took it upon himself to personally tempt Jesus and now he enters into Judas to make sure all the details of his plan are put into place.
Matthew 26:47-49 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him." Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.
Judas performed his role by kissing Jesus on the cheek. What hypocrisy.! He had done everything Satan had instructed him to do. What happened to Judas after he had finished Satan’s bidding?
Matthew 27:3-5 Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself!" And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. Satan has no more use of Judas and so he discarded him like yesterday’s garbage. He basically did the same to Herod.
When you can no longer advance his evil agenda and schemes, he abandons you to the pit, where one day he will join you for eternity. He lets you die for him. While Jesus died for you.