Tertullus

Tertullus was a lawyer hired by the Jewish authorities to accuse Paul before the Roman governor Felix.

Tertullus is mentioned in Act 24:1-2 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.

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.”