Lawyer who accused Paul before Governor Felix
Tertullus
Named in 2 verses of Acts, first in Acts 24:1.
ΤέρτυλλοςTertullus
The name means “third.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Tertullus Written by AI
Tertullus is mentioned in Acts 24:1 to 2 as a lawyer or orator hired by the Jewish high priest and elders to present their case against the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea. Tertullus began his speech with flattery, praising Felix's reforms and administration. He then accused Paul of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews, and profaning the temple. Tertullus aimed to persuade Felix to condemn Paul, but Paul defended himself by denying the charges and asserting his innocence. The outcome of the trial is not directly stated, but Paul remained in custody for two years until Felix's successor Porcius Festus took office.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
A modification of “Tertius;” a Roman advocate, whom the Jews employed to state their case against Paul in the presence of Felix (Acts 24:1-9). The charges he adduced against the apostle were, “First, that he created disturbances among the Romans throughout the empire, an offence against the Roman government (crimen majestatis). Secondly, that he was a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; disturbed the Jews in the exercise of their religion, guaranteed by the state; introduced new gods, a thing prohibited by the Romans. And thirdly, that he attempted to profane the temple, a crime which the Jews were permitted to punish.”
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Acts 24:1
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul.
- Acts 24:2
When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.