Topical Encyclopedia Tertullus is a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is identified as a skilled orator and lawyer who was employed by the Jewish religious leaders to present their case against the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor, Felix. The account of Tertullus is found in Acts 24:1-9.Biblical Account: In Acts 24, Tertullus is introduced as the advocate for the high priest Ananias and the elders who had come down from Jerusalem to Caesarea to accuse Paul. The passage states: "Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor" (Acts 24:1). Tertullus was chosen for his rhetorical skills, which were necessary to present the accusations in a manner that would be persuasive to the Roman authority. Tertullus begins his speech with flattery towards Felix, a common rhetorical strategy in ancient legal proceedings. He says, "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude" (Acts 24:2-3). This introduction was likely intended to win favor with Felix before presenting the charges against Paul. The charges brought by Tertullus against Paul were threefold: he accused Paul of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world; of being a ringleader of the Nazarene sect; and of attempting to desecrate the temple (Acts 24:5-6). These accusations were serious, as they implied political unrest and religious sacrilege, both of which were of concern to Roman authorities. Role and Significance: Tertullus' role as an orator highlights the intersection of Jewish religious concerns and Roman legal proceedings. His employment by the Jewish leaders underscores their determination to have Paul condemned by the Roman government, as they perceived him as a significant threat to their religious authority and traditions. The use of a professional orator like Tertullus also reflects the legal practices of the time, where skilled speakers were often hired to present cases in court. His speech, though filled with flattery and accusations, ultimately did not succeed in securing a conviction against Paul. Felix, after hearing both Tertullus and Paul, decided to adjourn the proceedings, stating that he would make a decision when Lysias the commander came down (Acts 24:22). Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the account of Tertullus serves to illustrate the challenges faced by early Christians in spreading the Gospel. The opposition from both Jewish leaders and Roman authorities is a recurring theme in the Acts of the Apostles. Tertullus' involvement in the trial of Paul is a testament to the legal and rhetorical challenges that the early church had to navigate in its mission to proclaim the message of Christ. Tertullus, as an orator, represents the worldly wisdom and eloquence that often stood in contrast to the divine wisdom and truth proclaimed by the apostles. His role in the narrative underscores the tension between human authority and divine mission, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. Nave's Topical Index Acts 24:1And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. Nave's Topical Index Library Acts XXIV The Trial at Caesarea Paul Before Felix. Acts xxiii. 31, 32, 33 The Teaching of the Apostles. Resources Who is the false prophet of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gregory of Nazianzus? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jonathan Edwards? | GotQuestions.org Orator: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |