166
Sketches from the Life of Paul
abhorrence of her nation for the sake of forming an adulterous con-
[236]
nection with a cruel and elderly profligate. Yet the Satanic devices of
the conjurer and the betrayer succeeded, and Felix accomplished his
purpose.
The Jews present at Paul’s examination shared in the general feel-
ing toward Felix; yet so great was their desire to gain his favor in
order to secure the condemnation of Paul, that they assented to the
flattering words of Tertullus. These men in holy office, robed in the
sacerdotal garments, were very exact in the observance of customs
and ceremonies, very scrupulous to avoid outward pollution, while
the soul-temple was defiled with all manner of iniquity. The outward
contact with anything deemed unclean was a great offense in their eyes,
while the murder of Paul was considered a justifiable act. What an
illustration of the blindness that can come upon the human mind! Here
were the representatives of those who claimed to be God’s covenant
people. Like the barren fig-tree, they were clothed with pretentious
leaves, but destitute of the fruits of holiness; “having a form of godli-
ness, but denying the power thereof.” Filled with malice toward a pure
and good man, seeking by every means to take his life, and extolling a
vindictive profligate!
There are many today who estimate character in the same manner.
Prompted by the adversary of all righteousness, they call evil good,
and truth falsehood. It is as the prophet has described,—“Truth is
fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” It is because such is the
condition and spirit of the world that God calls upon his people to
come out and be separate. Those who mingle with the world will come
to view matters from the worldling’s stand-point, instead of seeing
[237]
as God sees. “What communion hath light with darkness? And what
concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth
with an infidel?” God’s people will see as he sees. The pure and good
will be honored and loved by those who are good.
In his speech against Paul, Tertullus charged that he was a pestilent
fellow, who created sedition among the Jews throughout the world,
and who was consequently guilty of treason against the emperor;
that he was a leader of the sect of Nazarenes, and chargeable with
heresy against the laws of Moses; and that he had profaned the temple,
virtually an offense not only against the Jewish but the Roman law,
which protected the Jews in their religious worship. He then falsely