Tertullus was a lawyer in the New Testament who accused Paul before Felix, first mentioned in Acts 24:1.
About Tertullus
Tertullus was the lawyer chosen by the Jewish council (called the Sanhedrin) to speak against Paul during his trial. The Roman governor Felix led the trial in Caesarea (Acts 24:1–2). It is not clear whether Tertullus was Roman, Greek, or Jewish. Some people believe he was Jewish because he says “our law” and says that the Roman commander Lysias took Paul from “our hands” (verses 6b–7). But the earliest copies of the Bible do not include these parts of the verses. So, we cannot be sure.
Tertullus probably worked as a lawyer in the Roman courts. The Jewish leaders brought him quickly, which suggests he was a trained speaker and legal expert.
Key References
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.
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.
All Scripture References (2)
Acts (2)
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.
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.