Tertullus Teaches - Part One

I had said we would be learning from two named people, one well-known and the other not so well-known. We begin with the name that is not so well-known. He is Tertullus, from whom we will be learning, today and on the next two days.

And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying; Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Acts 24: 2 - 3

Here is Tertullus, a Jewish orator, who has been called to speak to Governor Felix on behalf of the religious Jewish leaders and people, whom I am referring to as the Church. The high priest, Ananias, elders and their orator, have come down to the governor to bring accusations against prisoner Paul. What we are taking full note of and learning from, is the manner, mind and mode of the person who is before the governor. The lesser is before the greater. The lower is before the higher. The person seeking favour, is before the person to grant that favour. Listen, look and learn from this Jewish orator.

Remember, his mission is to bring complaints to Governor Felix. He wants this man, who has the legal right and authority to help him, to listen to him. Regardless of Tertullus’ high and recognised status in the Jewish community, he knows that he is in a place and situation where he is the person who has to be humble. He is the person who is asking. He is the person who is seeking favour. 

Observe with clear, Spirit-driven sight and hearing, the speaker’s manner, mode and mind, as he addresses the one from whom he seeks favour. When his words are lit up and lifted up to us, we see faith, fact, favour, freeness, fame and fullness, all dressed in brilliant garb.

Faith - Tertullus begins his asking by setting out openly, their pleasing faith in Felix, as governor. Seeing that through you. All the good that they have received and are still receiving as a nation, have been attributed to Felix.

Fact – Tertullus does not just speak these words of great praise and glory to Felix. He backs up his words as he states a tangible, living fact, actual convincing proof of what Felix has given to them. Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace. Be very clear on the timing aspect. Through Felix, they have received peace and are still receiving peace at his hands. Even while they are before him, they are living in his peace.

Favour – Tertullus lauds Felix for the favour received through him. Prosperity is being brought to the nation by your foresight. He makes it known to Felix that they recognize and do hereby profess that it is because of his wisdom, generosity, and authority, they have such great, continuing prosperity as a nation.

Freeness – Tertullus, still speaking in the name of the Church, spares no praises, no glory, in his elevation of Governor Felix. Through their spokesman, they condone and appreciate his free hand in how he efficiently manages his office. This is what he tells Felix. We accept it always and in all places. What do they accept? The Church lets Felix know that they always appreciate and accept all that he does and so freely gives. They are lauding him on what he does and gives in every place where his jurisdiction spans. 

Fame – Tertullus, on behalf of the Church, confers upon Felix this title, most noble Felix. What high, great honour he has ascribed to Felix! What fame! Remember, this spokesperson is speaking on behalf of all the religious leaders, the full Church leadership, many of whom are present. He is not just noble Felix, but most noble Felix. What great fame! What a title!  

Fullness - He crowns it all by showing fullness of appreciation, gratitude and thanks. Note how he showers all thankfulness upon the governor. He speaks of everything, with all thankfulness. He is showering thankfulness upon Felix for all that he has done, all that he is doing and all that he will do for them in this grave matter, which they are now bringing before him.

What are you hearing? What are you receiving? Is there anything that is heavily convicting you as the Church, in your relationship with God?

Tomorrow, we continue in anticipation of Part Two.