Simon Boetos, called Canthera
Simon sits on the Sanhedrin, in the college of priests.
He is part of a group of Pharisees who chase Jesus who came to Giscala on the tomb of Hillel.[1] On this occasion Jesus is injured in the hand by a stone thrown at him.
The group pursues Jesus with hostility. They demand that he give a sign proving that he is the Messiah.[2] He promises it and prophesies on his hand pierced by the stone that will sting them on the day of judgment.[3]
With Elchias, the treasurer of the Temple, he tries to confuse Jesus by presenting him with false sick people[4], a deceit they try to renew.[5] Each time their trickery is exposed.
At the third Pentecost, Simon participates in a Banquet offered by Elchias to Jesus[6] It is again a trap. Jesus delivers his discourse Against Phariseeism: "Woe to you hypocritical Pharisees!"[7].
The Sanhedrists then decide his downfall. Simon takes charge, with the help of Eleazar ben Annas, to deceive Judas.
The apostle becomes an accomplice of Simon and Elchias in a new attempt: to push Jesus to heal Sidonia, the gangrenous-born, on a Shabbat day.[8]
The Sanhedrin finally deceives Judas: he goes to the country house of Caiphas (Joseph), the High Priest where the conspirators are gathered.[9] Simon is among them. Maria Valtorta notes his "Viper face".
On Holy Thursday, it is to this group of irreconcilable Enemies that Judas entrusts the place of Jesus' arrest:"Tonight! After supper. At Gathhsemane. Come there and seize him. Give me the money."[10]Jesus had predicted the condemnation of Simon and the main conspirators.[11]
His name
Simon, like Simeon (Chimon - Shim'ôn), means "he who hears". Historical reference: the second son of Jacob who is held hostage by his brother Joseph, who became Pharaoh's steward.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
EMV 340 EMV 342 EMV 378
EMV 414 EMV 487
EMV 510 EMV 535 EMV 598
Learn more about this character
Simon Canthera (or Cantharus) was appointed High Priest from 41 to 43. He was the third son of Simeon ben Boethos (Flavius Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, 19.6.2).
His two brothers, Eleazar and Joazar, were also High Priests. His sister, Mariamne, was the repudiated wife of Herod the Great. He was probably between 55 and 60 years old at the time of the Public Life.