Paul’s imprisonment in Caesarea:The trial before Felix (24:1–27) provides one of the most detailed accounts of the formal interaction between the plaintiff, the defendant, and the judge in Acts. The charges against Paul are presented by Tertullus, a legal advocate who represents Ananias and other elders of the council (24:2–9). Tertullus begins by praising Felix for his accomplishments and his care for the Jewish people. While such flattery is not unexpected in a speech of this nature, to credit Felix for “a long period of peace” and for his foresight that has “brought about reforms in this nation” (24:2) has moved beyond any reasonable perception of reality. Not only does one find revolutionary movements during his reign (Josephus, Jewish War 2.252–70), but Felix is also accused of being…