Category:Jonathan ben Ananus (subject)

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Jonathan ben Ananus, of the House of Annas, was the Jewish High Priest, 36-37 CE, under Roman Governor Marcellus and Emperor Tiberius, and 44 CE, under King Herod Agrippa I and Emperor Claudius.

This page is edited by Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan.

Overview

Jonathan was one of the five sons of Annas to take the office of High Priest. He served for three non-consecutive terms.

In 36 CE the Roman Governor of Syria, Vitellius, removed the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate, who was accused of misconduct, and sent him back to Rome. Vitellius appointed his friend Marcellus to take care of affairs in Judea. He also deposed the powerful High Priest Caiaphas and replaced him with his brother-in-law Jonathan. One year later, while visiting Jerusalem, Vitellius replaced Jonathan with his brother Theophilus.

Jonathan was High Priest again in 44 CE. Under King Herod Agrippa I and Emperor Claudius, members of the House of Boethus and the House of Annas alternated as High Priests. Jonathan succeeded Elionaeus ben Cantheras of the House of Boethus, but the sudden death of the Herodian King put an end to his tenure and to the experiment of a regular succession between the two priestly Houses, as Herod of Chalcis appointed Joseph ben Camei to serve under the new Roman Governor Fadus.

Jonathan's third term in office was the longest, 52-56 CE, under Roman Governor Felix and Emperors Claudius and Nero. This time Jonathan succeeded Ananias ben Nebedaeus at the appointment of Herod Agrippa II. He was succeeded by Ishmael ben Phiabi II.