TERTULLUS . This name (a diminutive of Tertius ) is that of the advocate hired by the Jews to speak for them against St. Paul before Felix ( Acts 24:1 ). From his name we should judge him to be a Roman; probably he was not a Jew. It has been conjectured (Dean Milman) that his speech is a translation from the Latin, though Greek was allowed in the law courts. It is a gross piece of flattery, for the Jews were in constant opposition to Felix. It accuses St. Paul of stirring up disturbances, of being the ringleader of an unlawful sect, and of profaning the Temple (cf. the reply in Acts 25:8 ).

A. J. Maclean.