Chapter 21—Trial at Caesarea Five days after Paul’s arrival at Caesarea, his accusers also came down from Jerusalem, accompanied by one Tertullus, an orator whom they had engaged as their counsel. The case was granted a speedy hearing. Paul was brought before the assembly, and Tertullus proceeded to specify the charges against him. This wily orator judged that flattery would have more influence upon the Roman governor than the simple statements of truth and justice. He therefore began his speech with praise of Felix: “Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.” {LP 234.1}

Fem dage efter at Paulus var kommet til Kaseræa, kom hans anklagere ned fra Jerusalem, ledsaget af en Tertullus, en taler, som de havde hyret som deres advokat. Sagen blev tilstået en kort høring. Paulus blev bragt frem for forsamlingen, og Tertullus begyndte at udspecificere anklagerne imod ham. Denne listige taler vurderede at smiger vil have stor indflydelse på den romerske leder, end sandhedens og retfærdighedens enkle udtalelser. Han begyndte derfor sin tale med at rose Feliks: "At vi under dig nyder megen fred, og at der ved din omsorg på enhver måde og alle vegne er indført forbedringer til bedste for dette folk, det påskønner vi, højædle Feliks! med al taknemmelighed."