Eli the Sanhedrist of Capernaum
Pharisaic Sanhedrist of Capernaum. He comes, in the company of the Pharisees Simon and Joachim, to cause a scandal at the banquet offered by Matthew, new disciple of Jesus.[1]
He is probably among those who denounce Jesus at the Sanhedrin at the very beginning of the Public Life:[2] Jesus must take refuge at Clear Water. Eli pursues him there.[3]
Likewise, he is probably one of the instigators of the plot that leads to the arrest of the Baptist, at which he was present.[4] with Joachim.
Later, his grandson Elisha is healed by Jesus from a deadly snakebite.[5] Eli fears seeing in this a punishment similar to that of Doras, an influential Sanhedrist fiercely hostile to Jesus, who died suddenly. He offers, as a pledge of peace, a meal to Jesus in the company of his Pharisee friends from Capernaum: Simon, Joachim, Uriah, Samuel.[6] This rapprochement, however, will not last.
Indeed, he soon turns back against Jesus[7] and relentlessly pursues him. He is the author of the wary interpellation:"Does your Master pay the Temple tax?"[8]Paradoxically, this unsympathetic enemy finds Jesus as defender: Eli causes a public disturbance by publicly challenging Jesus in the synagogue of Capernaum. The centurion (the one with such strong faith) intervenes and drives Eli away, promising to report. Eli shows himself cowardly and odious (even John and Andrew are disgusted by him). This does not prevent Jesus from intervening to lift the sanction. More: he firmly reprimands some disciples too happy with the correction inflicted on Eli:
"Have I followers, or have I demons?"[9]Jesus would have expelled them if not for the intervention of Mary.[9]
Eli is found again with the group of Galilean Pharisees hostile to Jesus. He attends the funeral of Lazarus to jeer at the absence of miracle.[10]
Character and appearance
Aged (with a yellow complexion, notes Maria Valtorta). His portrait is unsympathetic:
- Greedy: "I was greedy, but he surpassed me. He doubled his capital by usury", confirms Matthew.[11]
- Ungrateful, cowardly as shown by the few reported episodes.
- Lustful: He was probably also one of the lovers of "The Beauty" of Chorazin, a courtesan who became leprous.[12]
Apostolic journey
"He is one of Your first and fiercest accusers at the Temple."[13]This hatred will go to its end: he is among those who stand at the foot of the cross to taunt the executed.[14]
His name
Elijah (Eliyahou) means "my God is eternal". Historical reference: the great prophet who was taken up in a chariot of fire.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
GRM 94 GRM 96 GRM 97GRM 113 GRM 130 GRM 161 GRM 162 GRM 163 GRM 182
GRM 232 GRM 236 GRM 269 GRM 323 GRM 338 GRM 351 GRM 376
GRM 546 GRM 609