Tertullus

Biblical Account

Tertullus appears only in Acts 24:1–9. Five days after Paul, who had been arrested in Jerusalem, was sent to the governor Felix at Caesarea, the high priest Ananias came down to Caesarea with some of the elders, bringing Tertullus with them. Through him they brought their charges against Paul (Acts 24:1).

Tertullus began by flattering Felix, crediting his rule with the peace the people enjoyed (Acts 24:2–4). He then accused Paul on three counts: that Paul was "a pestilent fellow" and "a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world"; that he was "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes"; and that he had "gone about to profane the temple" (Acts 24:5–6). The Jews who had come with him also assented, "saying that these things were so" (Acts 24:9).

Paul answered these charges one by one (Acts 24:10–21). He stated that he had stirred up no disturbance. He also maintained that "after the way which they call heresy," he worshiped the God of his fathers and held the hope of the resurrection. Felix deferred judgment, and Scripture does not mention Tertullus again.

Significance Within Scripture

The accusation brought by Tertullus is the first formal charge in the series of trial scenes involving Paul in the latter part of Acts. In its brief rendering of his speech, Acts presents in sequence an opening appeal for the hearer's goodwill, the charges, and the offer of evidence. Some scholars observe that this sequence corresponds to the conventional form of courtroom oratory of the period. Because his accusations offer no supporting evidence while Paul's reply is specific, many interpreters read the passage as demonstrating Paul's innocence before a Roman court. This narrative thread continues in the subsequent trials under Felix and Festus.

Interpretation and Issues

• Occupation and translation: The Greek term rhētōr denotes an orator who argues cases in court. The Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul) rendered it byeonsa ("orator"), while the New Korean Revised Version rendered it byeonhosa ("lawyer"). It is difficult, however, to equate this role with the modern legal profession.
• Origin: "Tertullus" is a Latin name. Some therefore regard him as a hired Roman or Gentile orator. Others, pointing to his use of "we" in the speech, regard him as a Hellenistic Jew. The text alone does not settle the question.
• Textual variation: Acts 24:6b–8a contains a statement that the chief captain Lysias "with great violence took him away out of our hands." Because this portion appears only in some manuscripts, translations handle it differently.
• No tradition outside the biblical text is known that attests to Tertullus's life or later activities. Nor is he a figure over whom interpretation differs significantly among denominations.

In the Korean Church

Tertullus is mentioned chiefly in expositions of Acts that deal with Paul's trials and defenses rather than as a subject in his own right. Sermons sometimes contrast his flattering introduction and unfounded accusations with Paul's bold defense. He is also used as an example in teaching on the proper attitude of faith in the face of false accusation.