[rogator]

How many Simon-bar-Jonahs were in Israel in the first century? (Even if this isn't just another phoney ossuary.)


"and the unusual name "Shappira" - which is a unique name"

Judging from the number of folks with the name "Shapiro" in the New York City phone book, this "unique" first century guy did one heck of a job spreading his seed.

[TheCrusader]

"How many Simon-bar-Jonahs were in Israel in the first century?"

If Jerasulem had phone books back then you'd probably have found more Simon-bar-Jonahs than you'd find Chins in a Chinatown cafe.

Here are some Simons mentioned in the Bible, use your imagination to figure out how many others had the name, and then took the name after Saint Peter's death:

Simon Peter (the Apostle)

Simon the Cyrenian (Mark 15)

Simon Niger (Acts 1)

Simon Magus (Acts )

Simon the Leper (Mathew 26)

Simon the high priest (1 Maccabees)

Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7).

Simon the Zealot (Luke 6).

Simeon the Prophet - (Luke 2 ~ Simeon is Greek for Simon).