ANANIAS OF ADIABENE:

By: H. G. Enelow

A Jewish merchant, probably of Hellenic origin, who, in the opening years of the common era, was prominent at the court of Abennerig (), king of Charax-Spasini (Charakene, Mesene). He was a zealous propagandist of Judaism among the pagans, and was instrumental in the conversion of numerous native and foreign inhabitants of Charax, which, situated at the confluence of the two arms of the Tigris, was at the time a great mercantile center. Among his most prominent converts were several women of high position at the court, particularly the princess Symacho, the king's daughter. This princess had been married to Izates, a young prince who had been sent to Abennerig's court by his parents, Monobaz and Helena, the rulers of Adiabene. Through his wife, Izates' attention was directed to Ananias, with whom he formed an acquaintance that eventually ripened into a strong attachment. Ere long (about the year 18), Ananias had won the prince over to the Jewish faith. Moreover, Izates was named as successor to the throne by Monobaz, who, in so doing, passed over his elder sons. Upon his accession (about 22), Izates, in order to show his genuine attachment to the new religion, declared his determination to undergo the rite of circumcision. Helena opposed this, fearing that the adoption of foreign ceremonies might arouse against the young king the indignation of his pagan subjects. Ananias, who had come to Adiabene with Izates, supported Helena's contention, arguing that such a step on the part of the king would endanger the life of his Jewish instructor, and, further, that circumcision was not vital to the fulfilment of the Jewish religion and the worship of God.

Izates seemed convinced by the latter argument, until there came to his court another Jew, Eleazar, who, in contradistinction to Ananias' Hellenic leniency, was a rigorous legalist from Galilee. He persuaded Izates to undergo the rite (Gen. R. xlvi. 8). Ananias and Helena were strongly agitated when Izates disclosed his action, but the trouble they predicted did not immediately ensue. Whether Ananias made further converts in Izates' country is not stated (see Adiabene; Helena; Izates; Monobaz II.).

H. G. E.