Matthias (III)

III. MATTHIAS, Son of Ananus, High -priest of the Jews, succeeded Simon Cantharus in the Year of the World 4044, of Jesus Christ 44, of the Vulgar Æra 41. He had for Successor Ælioneus, Son of Citheus, in the Year of the World 4045, having held this Dignity but one Year. Josephus relates, that King Agrippa having offered the High-priesthood to Jonathan, Son of Ananus, he excused himself, and said he thought himself unworthy of that Honour, and that it was sufficient for him to have possessed it once already; for he had been High-priest before. But at the same Time he recommended Matthias his Brother¹ to the King, as a Person better qualified for this Employment; to which Agrippa gave his Consent.

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