Roman Advocate

[Acts 24:1] 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.
Tertullus – all so spelled Tertellus. He was an attorney well-versed in Roman law, hired by the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem to present charges against Paul before the Roman governor, Felix, at Caesarea in the year 60. Tertullus was typical of the Italian lawyers who lived in the provinces at the time, selling their services to local people unused to Roman courts. His presentation to Felix was a masterpiece of flattery toward Felix and full of allegations that Paul disturbed the peace and profaned the Temple.
Tertullus made a very competent speech for the prosecution, opening with a compliment to Felix to win his goodwill. ‘Since though you we enjoy much peace, and since by your provision, most excellent Felix, reform are introduced on behalf of this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.’ He then declared Paul to be a perfect pest as:
1. An agitator.
2. A ringleader of the Nazarenes.
3. As a desecrator of the Temple.
Finally he invited Felix to examine Paul himself to ascertain the truth of these charges. The speech, whether as spoken by Tertullus, or condensed by Luke, is a masterpiece of brevity. Paul’s defiance of himself, however, was more than a match for the prosecutions, for Paul was equally well trained in the famous law school of Troas.
The speech of Tertullus is a good example of reasonable and dishonest pleading.
Paul's answer was simple. ‘After the way which they call heresy, so worship I the G-d of my Fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. And have hope toward G-d which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust...Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.’ Tertullus could not prove his case but Paul was imprisoned anyway.