SAUL, SHALLUM & JEPHUNEH CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - Page 1

ONE EVENING AT Hulda's house, everyone relaxed after an evening meal. Saul retired to his room for solitude. Dan was gone. Soon Joel re-entered the dining room where his father and mother were continuing in quiet conversation. "There are two men at the door who say they wish to see Saul," he announced. "They gave their names as Shallum and Jephuneh."

"Fine, son. I will take care of it," Esrom said. "Run along now."

Young Joel hurried out.

Esrom and Miriam exchanged glances. "I was hoping those two would never come here," Miriam said. "They cannot be good for Saul."

"But we must not treat them rudely," replied Esrom, although he agreed with Miriam's sentiment.
He made his way to the main entrance and politely escorted them to the stairs that led to the third floor. "I am sure you will find Saul in his room."

When Saul opened the door he couldn't help but notice the flush of excitement on the face of his long time acquaintances. "Saul," Shallum said, "you will find it hard to believe where we have been. We have just come from the palace of Caiaphas. You should have been with us. I doubt if the palace built by Herod the Great is any more splendid."

"And what brought all this about?" Saul asked skeptically.

"That is what we have come to talk about," Shallum continued. "We couldn't wait until morning. It is very exciting news and involves you."

"Me? If it involves me, why was I not invited?" asked Saul.

"Well," replied Shallum reluctantly, "the High Priest did say my father mentioned our names--and yours. We think our father had something to do with it. But you will be interested to know that old Annas, Caiaphas' father-in-law was there."

"Of course," replied Saul, "he now lives there. My father, and many rabbis of his generation, still consider Annas the High Priest. Even though he had four sons who were priests, and was appointed by Quirinius proconsul of Syria, Valerius Gratus removed him from office, which is a sign of his integrity."

"But Rome works with those who cooperate. That is why they want to work with Caiaphas, and neither Jephuneh nor I will forget that, especially when it comes to getting something done."
Saul listened with mingled curiosity and skepticism. These two provided an important and indispensable link to the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. "But you must also never forget that as far as my father is concerned, and many like him, old Annas is still jure divina, responsible for the sacred ceremonies."

"You speak as if Annas is exemplary," Shallum said, scoffing. "You have heard of the Market of Annas?"

Saul smiled, knowing that both Annas and Caiaphas had disqualifying weaknesses. "Yes, Annas still rules the money changers and the animals. And, he has made the grave error trying to raise the Temple tax this year. But Caiaphas is no less greedy."

"Exactly," Shallum answered, holding out his open palm.

Saul glanced down at the hefty silver coins.

"He gave the same to Jephuneh, and he'll do as much or more for you."

Saul flushed with disgust. He could see that Shallum had ignorantly assumed he would be motivated by money.

Noting the expression on Saul's face, Jephuneh said, "Don't waste time. Tell him why we were called, what the High Priest wanted."

"To assist him against Jesus," Shallum said.

"Against Jesus?" Saul raised his dark brows, and said, "And what can you do?"

"Plenty. Follow him, document his words. Make note of anything he says to violate the law or offend Rome or the Temple, or, well, just anything that might be used against him."

Saul thought about it and realized that perhaps this was exactly the kind of thing these two would be good for. He understood the High Priest's choice. But if his own name had been used in this regard he felt offended to be considered in such low company.

"You will join us?" Shallum asked.

Saul shook his head quickly. "No. No, but I would be curious to go secretly with you on one of your missions. I have spent sleepless nights over this. Of course, John the Baptist is gone, and that is good, but the followers of Jesus are increasing daily. Nicodemus and Gamaliel are soft in their attitude toward him. But they are of no consequence if, as you say, Annas and Caiaphas are both united against him."

"They are."

"Personally, I say Jesus is either a deliberate deceiver, or else he sincerely believes that he is the Messiah. In either case, he must be stopped. But I will not be paid, nor will I accept an assignment from Annas and Caiaphas. I am working in Jerusalem with educated Jews." After a pause, he asked, "How and when do you expect to start?"

"Caiaphas gave us the name of a man born blind who claims to have been healed by Jesus. He doubts all of his claims. They have already put him out of the synagogue for lying about it. He has asked us to gather more information. We will contact him tomorrow."

"Good. This will allow me to go with you and not be seen in the crowds following Jesus."