Paul Brought Before Felix; Acts 24:1 – 27 Part 2

Church History: Date: A.D.57 – 59

It is assumed that Lysias, the chief captain, gave notice to the chief priests, and others that had appeared against Paul, that he had sent Paul to Cæsarea. If they wanted to continue their accusations against him, they must follow him to Cæsarea. There they would find him and a judge ready to hear them. His thinking was, perhaps, they would not trouble themselves to do so. However, five days later his accusers, having set aside all other business, have traveled to Caesarea, and are ready for a hearing. Those who had been his judges, appear here as his prosecutors. Ananias himself the high priest, who had sat to judge him, now stands to inform against him.

The prosecutors brought with them a certain orator named Tertullus, a Roman, skilled in the Roman law and language, and therefore a good fit to be employed in a cause before the Roman governor, and most likely to gain favor. The high priest, and elders, though they had plenty to say against Paul, did not think they were suited to make a big impression in their case, and therefore retained Tertullus, who probably was noted for a satirical wit, to be their counsel and speak for them; and, no doubt, they gave him a good fee, probably out of the treasury of the temple, which they were in charge of. This being a cause of great concern to the church justified it. Paul is brought to the bar before Felix the governor: