Author: Charlie Garrett

Liberty Bell Replica, West Virginia Capitol.

Saturday, 27 January 2024

“For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Acts 24:5

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The words are more literally rendered, “For we have found this man a plague and stirring insurrection in all the Jews throughout the habitation, and the leader of the Nazarenes sect” (CG).

Tertullus just gave a statement in preparation for introducing the supposed charges they would make against Paul. He now begins to list them, beginning with, “For we have found this man a plague.”

After his words of flattery toward Felix, Tertullus immediately goes into a verbal assault on Paul, beginning with the word loimos, a plague or pestilence. It is only used one other time, in Luke 21:11, where Jesus describes the plagues coming in the end times.

The KJV translates this as “a pestilent fellow,” but that hardly fits the intent. Rather than being an adjective, it is a noun. Paul is not plagued but rather is a plague. Next, Tertullus says “and stirring insurrection in all the Jews.”

The verb is in the present tense, giving the sense that not only did Paul stir up insurrection but that he continues to do so and would continue to do so if he is released. However, Tertullus notes that this behavior was among the Jews. The insurrection itself could be among the Jews against the Romans or an internal struggle. Without further explanation, it would leave the charge vague at best. Despite this, he next notes that it is “throughout the habitation.”

The word is oikoumené. It is a noun signifying the land that is inhabited, but it specifically refers to the Roman world. As Strong’s notes, “for all outside it was regarded as no account.” Thus, Paul was stirring up the Jews within the Roman empire, but not necessarily against it.

The point is, however, that Paul has caused trouble beyond the boundaries of Felix’s authority, and now he is here and within the grasp of the governor. It is a way of enticing Felix to be the champion of all of the poor Jews who have been plagued by this man throughout the empire and which no other ruler was able to secure. He makes Paul out to be a prize that others could not attain.

Understanding that, he next says, “and the leader of the Nazarenes sect.” The Greek word translated as “ringleader” is prótostatés. It is found only here in Scripture. It means “one who stands first on the right of a line” (hence, a file leader), and so he is being called the leader or head of the sect.

Interestingly, the term Nazarene is only used thirteen times in the New Testament,  and all of them are used to describe Jesus except this one. The title has been transferred from the Master to those who follow Him, and Paul is being called the head of them all.

In the words of Tertullus, he has taken the very things which Felix was noted for suppressing and he has attributed them directly to Paul. It is with certainty that Paul didn’t look like any such person, but the words of accusation by Tertullus are as if he were in the act of such a crime at that very moment.

Life application: Because Tertullus has only identified Paul as a miscreant among the Jews, unless he further defines it as Jews being stirred to rebellion against Rome, his words will be pointless. As has been seen elsewhere in Acts, the issue of whether Christianity is acceptable under Judaism is a main point of consideration being addressed in the book.

That was a matter for Jews to determine and handle. Only if the matter brought some type of harm to the Roman Empire or its citizens would it be worth the pursuit of a magistrate. Consider this as you read through Acts. Christianity is either an authorized extension of the faith recorded in the Bible that came through Israel or it is not.

If it is, then it tells us that God is working through Christianity as redemptive history unfolds. It also means that whatever Judaism teaches today falls short of what the law and prophets proclaimed.

Christianity is based on the work of Jesus, the Christ. If God has purposed that to be His revelation of Himself to the world, and if the Jews have rejected that, then there cannot be salvation within the Jewish nation at this time. Only individual Jews who come to Christ will be saved. This is a key point of theology that must be considered.

Until Israel, as a nation, receives Jesus, He will not return to them and dwell among them as foretold in the law and prophets. Be careful to not get swayed by law observers and Judaizers. This is a key and central point of doctrine that is clearly and unambiguously expressed in Scripture.

Heavenly Father, may we be sound in our thinking concerning where we will place our trust. Only Jesus and His fulfillment of the law can bring us back to You. May we never presume to hold to false teachings of those who would creep in an attempt to pull us away from Your grace, as expressed through the giving of Your Son for our sins. Amen.

‘Nuther Old Building photo. West Virginia Capitol.

Friday, 26 January 2024

Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. Acts 24:4

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The words more literally read, “And so not upon you further I should hinder, I implore you to hear us briefly, in your indulgence” (CG).

In the previous verse, the orator Tertullus completed his opening platitudes to Felix. He now transitions towards the main argument against Paul. His words are suited to an orator, some being rare or uncommon. He begins with, “And so not upon you further I should hinder.”

The words imply that he could go on and on about Felix, and how great he is. However, he doesn’t want to be a continued hindrance to his obviously busy schedule as governor. As Felix was such a busy and important man, Tertullus didn’t want his continued accolades to keep him from his job of governing.

His statement introduces a new word to Scripture, egkoptó. It is a verb signifying to hinder or interrupt. As the mood of the verb is subjunctive, it gives the sense of “should hinder.” With that said, he continues with, “I implore you to hear us briefly.”

This is the second and last use of suntomós in the New Testament. It is an adverb giving the sense of cutting something short through conciseness or promptness. However, the first use of the word (Mark 16:20) is only found in some manuscripts.

In this case, Tertullus intensifies the previous clause – “So I don’t hinder you, please hear us briefly.” He then further intensifies the thought by finishing with, “in your indulgence.”

Again, another new word is introduced, epieikeia. It is an intensification of what is fair or equitable. Thus, it is a petition for going beyond what would be expected. It is defined by HELPS Word Studies as “(‘true equity’) is a ‘sweet reasonableness’ that knows when to ‘relax the strict legal requirements concern­ing others . . . to carry out the real spirit of the law.’”

In essence, the sense of Tertullus’ words is, “O great governor, we know how precious your time is, so we are cutting short our praises, we are asking just a short petition of our grievances, and we know that even in that – which is our rightful due – we must petition for your indulgence in the matter.”

Tertullus is really slathering on the butter in his words to the governor. His obvious talent as an orator is evident in the choice of words he uses.

Life application: The sweet-tongued words of Tertullus have taken up three verses. It may be that Felix accepted them as deserving of his supposedly great position, or it may be that Felix was chuckling inside at the verbal groveling he was hearing.

Either way, the words are unnecessarily verbose and are of no real value in the case to be presented against Paul. This is often the situation with people who have an invalid or weak argument concerning their stand on a position concerning some particular matter.

Be attentive to how things are presented, and you can often get a feeling for the soundness of an argument even before you have gotten to the substance of what is being said. If someone uses technical or complicated words, it is often intended to make him appear smarter on a given subject than others.

If a person states his qualifications, it is often an attempt to promote himself, even if his argument is weak. By saying, “As a doctor of theology, my position on this matter is…,” the person is trying to get the upper hand even before presenting his position.

These types of approaches are known as fallacies. Anything that obscures an argument diminishes another’s view even before it is heard, sideswipes the main argument, thus attempting to produce a fallacy. From time to time, read up on the various fallacies that exist. This will help keep your mind attuned to illogical or underhanded presentations that arise in general discourse.

Lord God, Your word says that You desire truth in the inward parts of man. Help us to be truthful inwardly so that what we say outwardly will be a true reflection of who we are and what we believe. Keep us from silly arguments and presentations that do not convey the truth. May our inner convictions be revealed in honesty and faithfulness. Amen.

Old building. West Virginia Capito;

Thursday, 25 January 2024

“we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Acts 24:3

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The Greek more literally reads, “Both entirely and everywhere we welcome, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness” (CG).

In the previous verse, Tertullus began his accusation against Paul. It was a butter-up job to hide the fact that they really have no case against him in any matter that Rome would be interested in. The spreading of the butter now continues with “Both entirely and everywhere.”

He uses a word found only here in Scripture, panté. Some translations say “always.” However, it is generally accepted that it doesn’t mean “always” as in time, but rather “all ways” as in scope. Therefore, the single word “entirely” is more definitive.

As such, the “entirely and everywhere” of this verse are tied to the “great peace” and the “reformations” of the previous verse. Understanding that, the words of Tertullus continue with “we welcome.”

Considering that the Jews’ hatred of the Roman rule over them permeated the entire society, the words must have been a bitter pill to even utter. For Felix, it was probably a point of great happiness to see the leaders of Israel, along with their authorized representative, groveling before him with such platitudes. Next, Tertullus says, “most excellent Felix.”

The word translated as “most excellent” is the same as that found in Acts 23:26 in the introduction of the letter from Claudius Lysias to Felix. It will be used one more time in Acts when spoken during formal discourse with the appointed governor. It is an adjective coming from kratos, a word signifying might, strength, dominion, power, etc. Thus, it literally means “strongest.” With that stated, Tertullus ends this introduction, saying, “with all thankfulness.”

A satire could not put forth words more painfully expressed. Of them, John Gill says, “this was all a farce, mere artifice, and wretched flattery.” Tertullus and the entire body of elders who were there before Felix were probably clenching their teeth in disgust, while Felix was probably smiling and on the verge of bursting out in condescending laughter.

Life application: In reading and considering the words of Tertullus, and while thinking about the unnecessary kowtowing that he did before the Roman authorities, you can then consider your own choice of words should such a circumstance ever arise in your life.

The words of Solomon, when speaking of our own choice of words before God, give direction that is suitable to any such circumstance –

“Do not be rash with your mouth,
And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.
For God is in heaven, and you on earth;
Therefore let your words be few.
³ For a dream comes through much activity,
And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.” Ecclesiastes 5:2, 3

The only things Tertullus has accomplished with his opening statement are to waste time and look foolish. He has brought embarrassment to himself. What is more, it is recorded for all to see and learn from. When addressing others in such a forum, keep your words to the minimum and be open and direct about the matter at hand. In this, your wisdom will be seen and appreciated by the wise.

Lord God Almighty, help us to not be babblers or smooth talkers. May our words be precise and effective, especially when dealing with others. May our conversations about You, such as when we share the good news, be carefully constructed to convey the proper meaning intended by You for the conversion of the soul. Help us in such things, O God. Amen.

Old photo of US Capitol at West Virginia Capitol.

Wednesday, 24 January 2024

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, Acts 24:2

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A literal translation is, “And he, having been called, Tertullus began accusing, saying, ‘Great peace we are attaining through you. And reformations are being done to this nation through your foresight’” (CG).

The previous verse opened the chapter noting that Ananias, the high priest, came down to Caesarea with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus to give evidence to the governor against Paul. It now says, “And he, having been called, Tertullus began accusing.”

Tertullus, the orator, will speak on behalf of the entire delegation. This is what is customary in such proceedings. Anything else would naturally lead to a chaotic session where everyone was interjecting. Therefore, Tertullus alone began the discourse, “saying, ‘Great peace we are attaining through you.’”

Verses 2-4 are given as an introduction to the charges as a way of gaining favor with Felix. This is in hopes of winning him to their side before the actual charges are even given.

Scholars agree that the things Tertullus focuses on are pretty much the only things worth focusing on. Other than this, there was truly nothing to compliment about the governor. His first item of presentation is that of the people having obtained great peace.

This is obviously not the type of peace that the Jews would have asked for. It was a forced peace through the strength of the Roman Empire. However, it would have been a true statement, nonetheless. The Jews were subjugated to Roman authority, and the Pax Romana was forced upon them, as it was throughout the empire. Next, Tertullus notes, “And reformations are being done to this nation.”

Here is found a new word in Scripture, translated as “reformations,” diorthosis. It is found only here and in Hebrews 9:10. It comes from dia and orthos (through and upright). Some translations say, “worthy deeds,” “excellent measures,” or something similar. It is a noun signifying improvements, reformations, etc. Being plural, “reformations” provides the proper sense.

Next, Tertullus says to the governor that these were done “through your foresight.” It is another new word in Scripture, pronoia. It is a noun derived from the verb pronoeó, to foresee. The word is described by Ellicott –

“The Greek word had at this time, like the English, a somewhat higher sense than ‘prudence’ or ‘forethought.’ Men spoke then, as now, of the ‘providence’ of God, and the tendency to clothe the emperors with quasi-divine attributes led to the appearance of this word—’the providence of Cæsar’—on their coins and on medals struck in their honour. Tertullus, after his manner, goes one step further, and extends the term to the procurator of Judæa.”

The Geneva Bible notes that “Felix ruled that province with great cruelty and covetousness, and yet Josephus records that he did many worthy things, such as taking Eleazar the captain of certain cutthroats, and put that deceiving wretch the Egyptian to flight, who caused great troubles in Judea.”

In other words, Tertullus is using carefully selected words to butter up the governor in hopes of obtaining a favorable verdict for his side. Through his efforts, there was at least peace, which led to prosperity, even if it was under the oppressive hand of Roman rule.

Life application: So far, everything Tertullus said has been irrelevant to the case against Paul. His approach, then, is already one that demonstrates their main argument will lack substance, at least from the perspective of Roman authority.

This type of presentation is not at all uncommon, and it should be watched for in any forum. People who come in and begin with comments irrelevant to the main subject of attention are often doing so to distract the mind from that main subject. Perceiving this type of approach, and mentally standing against it until the main arguments are presented, will keep you in a stronger position to cut out the superfluous fat in order to challenge whatever main point is then introduced.

Be aware of such things. They may seem innocuous, but they usually come when a logical argument is lacking, or someone who is involved in what is being said is a target for misdirection and deception.

Lord God Almighty, when we are presented with challenges to Your word, or to who You are as the Creator and Sovereign over our lives, help us to identify fallacious thinking or invalid points of argumentation and to focus on the main substance of what is being addressed. Sometimes, it is hard to see where people are going until it is too late. So, help us to have wisdom as we defend our faith in You. Amen.

Bears. West Virginia Capitol.

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. Acts 24:1

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Chapter 24 enters into the hearing that Felix promised Paul in the preceding verse. The words begin with, “Now after five days.”

This five-day period is probably from the time of Paul’s departure from Jerusalem. At that same time, the council would have been informed, and they would have begun preparations for a case against him.

This is the likely scenario because it was twelve days since Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem, as will be seen in verse 24:11. Therefore, the timeline is better reckoned from the departure from Jerusalem and not from the last events of Chapter 23.

Regardless of this, the five-day period sees the coming of a delegation to testify against Paul. Of them, Luke records that “Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus.”

As always, when a trip is made from Jerusalem, the term “came down” or “descended” is used. Because the Lord’s temple is in Jerusalem, it is considered as the highest place on earth from a legal and royal perspective. He being the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Likewise, when going to Jerusalem from anywhere else, it is an ascent regardless of direction or elevation. The word used to describe Tertullus is rhétór. This is its only use in Scripture. It signifies an orator, public speaker, or an advocate. Today, we use the words rhetoric, rhetorically, etc. These are etymologically derived from this ancient Greek word.

As for Tertullus, he would have the eloquence of a toastmaster. Ellicott describes the rhétór –

“Men of this class were to be found in most of the provincial towns of the Roman empire, ready to hold a brief for plaintiff or defendant, and bringing to bear the power of their glib eloquence, as well as their knowledge of Roman laws, on the mind of the judge.”

Of this delegation that has arrived, it next says, “These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.”

The word translated as “gave evidence” is emphanizó. It signifies to appear, declare, make visible, etc. In this case, it is being used in a technical sense. In essence, it is a formal indictment being made against Paul. One might more accurately say that they litigated against Paul. They are set to disclose the charges against him that have been decided upon.

Of this verse, the Geneva Bible comments, “Hypocrites, when they can not do what they want to do by force and deceit, at length they go about to accomplish it by a show of law.”

Life application: Think of what has happened to Paul. These miscreants had initiated a sort of coup against him in the temple, stirring up the masses against him and stealing away his rights in the process. The only thing that saved him from disaster was that he was found to be Roman by the barracks commander.

From there, they plotted against him to kill him. That plot was discovered, and Paul was safely conducted out of Jerusalem. Now, because they have been ineffective in laying hands on him any other way, they are set to bring false charges against him to keep him from spreading his message of freedom in Christ any further.

The parallel between what has happened thus far and what has happened to President Donald Trump is quite similar. There are certain ways that people will react when they cannot get their way. They will follow the same patterns again and again in history to meet whatever the present circumstances are that they find displeasing.

But this isn’t just with leaders. Eventually, the persecution continues even to those who are inspired by the leader. In the case of Paul, it started with Jesus. It continued to His apostles. From there, it continued to the people who accepted the apostles’ message. Paul was supernaturally pulled from that by a personal appearance of Jesus. But then the persecution against him began.

In our world today, the communists on the left have fought against conservative ideology. They have then targeted the leader of the conservative movement that was most likely to harm their globalist agenda. With that goal seemingly realized, they began targeting his supporters.

Only with a massive amount of public support has this wave of communism been fought against. Will it be turned around? Only time will tell. If not, the political persecution will very quickly become a persecution of the religious lives of the people they are targeting. This is because faith in God is diametrically opposed to communist ideology. It must be terminated for the communists to prevail.

Be ready to stand on your priorities, whatever they are. If they include Jesus, be ready to face what so many have faced before you. Faith in Christ will eventually be something considered intolerable and worthy of death. Even now, that is on the minds of these miscreants.

Lord God, we know that the end times will be difficult for those who hold fast to faith in You. We don’t know the timing of the rapture, and so we don’t know at what point we may have to face persecution because of what we believe. Should it come to pass, may we be faithful to stand and proclaim the Name of Jesus as our ultimate hope and passion. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.