Thoughts on the book of Acts (176) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, 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. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Acts 24:1-9

Thoughts on the book of Acts (176)
The case against Paul was stated by the high priest's legal representative. Tertullus raised three false accusations.
Paul was a troublemaker causing unrest throughout the entire empire. The fact is: the unrest in Rome and Alexandria arose through the Jews. Paul had nothing whatever to do with it.
Then Paul was said to be the leader of the sect of the Nazarenes, the intention being to place Christians on a same level as various revolutionary Jewish movements that caused trouble in Judea and beyond.
Thirdly, Paul was supposed to have desecrated the temple. The original accusation that he had taken the heathen into the temple was dropped. Asserting that it was an "attempt" seemed more convincing.
The Jewish accusers falsely stated their case as though the Roman military tribune had hindered the maintenance of order by force in seizing Paul from their grasp.
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: Ezekiel ch. 16 vv. 35-63