Susanna of Jotapata

Pronunciation: soo-SAN-nuh [of] dzhoh-tuh-PAH-tuh

Occurrences: 1

First Reference: Yeshua 11:2-3

And certain women which had been healed of afflictions and infirmities ministered unto the Lord with all gentle affection.

And of them were Mary of Magdala, Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s chief steward, Susanna of Jotapata, Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus, Regilla of Hippos, and many others also, and they gave unto the ministry of their substance.

See: Jotapata

Summary: Susanna of Jotapata was a disciple of Yeshua (Y:11:2-3), and likely one of the seven female apostles appointed by Miriam and included among those who witnessed Yeshua’s transfiguration on Mount Tabor (Y:18:1-4; Y:19:2). References in Azrael’s Commentary present Susanna and Yeshua’s wife Mary as being very close friends. After Yeshua’s resurrection, Mary and Susanna lived together in Nazareth (AZC — Yeshua and Mary; para. 13).

Azrael’s Commentary — Demitrius

A wealthy artisan in fine exquisite silverware, and a prominent citizen of Hippos, Demitrius became one of Yeshua’s most devout disciples and was a witness to the post-resurrectional teachings of Yeshua. He continued to live in Hippos long after Yeshua’s ministry was completed, and helped greatly in financing the missionary efforts of the apostles, especially those of Jude.

Demitrius appointed himself the guardian to the household of Mary and Susanna, and at his own expense he had the house of Mary and Susanna completely refurbished and appointed. During the Jewish uprising of 68-70 CE, he tried to persuade Mary and Susanna to take refuge in Hippos, but both women kindly refused the offer, preferring to stay in Nazareth among friends and family. Still fearful for their welfare, Demitrius paid to have the house discreetly watched over by Roman legionnaires who were told that Mary and Susanna were friends of Rome, and that Susanna was none other than the widowed wife of Marcus Quintus the former Prefect of Jotapata. Demitrius died in 77 CE, and according to Greek custom his body was cremated.

Notes/References:

“[Rufinius] retired to live in Nazareth where he was a frequent visitor in the home of Mary and Susanna of Jotapata.”

AZC — Rufinius; para. 4

“After Yeshua’s resurrection, Mary returned to Nazareth and there lived with Susanna of Jotapata.”

AZC — Yeshua and Mary; para. 13

Surinatha

Suzanne