Τέρτυλλος (Tertullos)
Tertullos
Tertullus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Tertullus refers to a specific individual mentioned in the Book of Acts as a professional orator. In Acts 24, he serves as the legal representative for the Jewish leaders who bring charges against the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor Felix at Caesarea.
His role is significant because he articulates the formal accusations against Paul with rhetorical skill. The sources note that his name likely carries the meaning "triple-hardened," though its exact etymology remains uncertain. By employing a trained lawyer to present their case, the accusers sought to lend weight and credibility to their claims in a Roman court setting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Tertullus appears in Acts as a professional lawyer hired to present charges against Paul before Governor Felix. His name suggests a background in rhetoric, and he uses polished language to frame his accusations. This highlights how faith often faces opposition not just from mob violence, but from calculated legal and social structures designed to silence truth.
When you face criticism or unfair judgment, remember that Paul remained calm despite being misrepresented by skilled speakers like Tertullus. Your integrity does not depend on winning an argument or silencing your accusers. God sees the heart behind every accusation and works through your steadfastness, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
This story invites us to trust God’s justice over human verdicts. Whether in a courtroom or a workplace dispute, peace comes from knowing that Christ defends those who stand for Him. You are never alone in your struggles, and every unfair charge is seen by the One who judges with perfect righteousness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tertullus2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Τέρτυλλος1×
- Τερτύλλου1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:1
After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
This verse introduces Tertullus as a hired orator, showing how the Jewish leaders used professional rhetoric to lend legal weight to their accusations against Paul.
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Acts 24:2
When he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight,
Here Tertullus begins his speech with flattery, using polite language to mask the malicious intent behind the charges he is about to bring against Paul.