Lexical Summary Tertullos: Tertullus Original Word: Τέρτυλλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Tertullus. Of uncertain derivation; Tertullus, a Roman -- Tertullus. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Tertullus, probably a Rom. NASB Translation Tertullus (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5061: ΤέρτυλλοςΤέρτυλλος, Τερτύλλου, ὁ, Tertullus, a Roman orator: Acts 24:1f. (See ῤήτωρ.) Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Tertullus is identified in Acts 24 as the professional spokesman retained by the Jewish leadership to present formal charges against the apostle Paul before the Roman governor Antonius Felix in Caesarea. The narrative portrays him as a skilled advocate, versed in Greco-Roman forensic oratory and capable of framing Jewish concerns in language calculated to sway a Roman magistrate. Scriptural Context Acts 24:1–9 describes the coordinated effort of the high priest Ananias, certain elders, and their counsel Tertullus. After Paul’s rescue from a mob in Jerusalem and transfer to Caesarea, the delegation arrives to prosecute him: “When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to Felix, ‘We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms for this nation…’” (Acts 24:2-3). Tertullus proceeds to level three accusations: (1) Paul is a plague, stirring up riots among Jews throughout the world; (2) he is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; (3) he even tried to desecrate the temple (Acts 24:5-6). Luke’s account records the orator’s flattery, rhetorical precision, and apparent disregard for the facts as later clarified by Paul (Acts 24:10-21). Historical Background Professional advocates, or “oratores,” were common in Roman provincial courts. Wealthy or influential parties retained such men to shape legal arguments and appeal to the governor’s sense of imperial order. Tertullus, likely trained in classical rhetoric, illustrates the fusion of Jewish opposition to the gospel with Roman legal mechanisms. His Roman-sounding name suggests either Hellenistic background or adoption of a Gentile name for professional reasons. Role in Paul’s Ministry The episode underscores God’s providential use of hostile circumstances to advance the gospel: 1. Paul receives a public platform to testify of “the hope in God” (Acts 24:15). Thus, Tertullus, though opposed to the message, becomes an unwitting instrument in God’s redemptive plan. Theological Implications • Opposition to the gospel often wears respectable clothing. Tertullus’s cultured speech represents the world’s attempt to suppress truth through persuasive eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Lessons for the Church 1. Avoid reliance on flattery or manipulation; instead speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Related Themes and Cross-References • False accusation: Psalm 27:12; Matthew 26:59-60. Forms and Transliterations Τερτυλλος Τέρτυλλος Τερτυλλου Τερτύλλου τέρψει Tertullos Tertullou Tertyllos Tértyllos Tertyllou TertýllouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 24:1 N-GMSGRK: καὶ ῥήτορος Τερτύλλου τινός οἵτινες NAS: with an attorney [named] Tertullus, and they brought charges KJV: orator [named] Tertullus, who INT: and an orator Tertullus a certain who Acts 24:2 N-NMS Strong's Greek 5061 |
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