Tertullus the attorney

“Now after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges against Paul to the governor.” (1) They arrived five days after Paul had left Jerusalem. This shows how intense their hatred toward Paul was. (2) The high priest Ananias and the council members came with the attorney Tertullus. Tertullus is a Latin name (it is highly likely that he was a Hellenistic Jew, like Paul). The Greek word for “attorney” is “retoros,” which means an orator. Among the group, neither the Jews from Ephesus who had initially seized Paul nor the forty Jews who had conspired against him were present. (3) Tertullus began his argument by flattering Felix. (a) The title “Most Excellent” (kratistos) was used for someone of higher rank than Felix. (b) “We have attained great peace” was partially true, but that peace was the result of a reign of terror. (c) “We acknowledge this… with all thankfulness” was an introduction in accusing Paul of disturbing that peace. (d) “Grant us a brief hearing.” As in both ancient and modern times, speakers often claim to be brief while speaking at length. “For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes…” (1) Three accusations were made (all carrying political implications). (a) “He stirs up dissension among the Jews throughout the world.” This man is like a plague. (b) “He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (a heresy).” Judaism was a legally recognized religion under Rome. Tertullus used the term “sect of the Nazarenes” to suggest that Paul’s faith was separate from Judaism and thus a heresy. (c) “He even tried to desecrate the temple.” The Roman Empire permitted the death penalty for those who defiled the temple. Therefore, the argument was that Paul should be sentenced to death. (2) “We arrested him” is a lie. It was the Jews who started the riot. Jesus also faced a similar accusation (Luke 23:2). (3) The Jews who were present agreed with the charges. We, too, may face accusations based on malice or misunderstanding. What should we do in such situations? Let us remember that the Lord Jesus and Paul also went through such experiences. If we are living a life that is blameless before God, our hearts will be filled with peace.