A HIGHER COURT

November 4

Bible Reading: Acts 24:1-3

Acts 24:1-2, “And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him…”

If you’ve ever faced false accusations of wrongdoing, you know how difficult it can be.  To respond to such a thing in a God-honoring way is difficult.  Anxiety lurks, as does the temptation to harbor hatred.  In a situation such as that, it’s good to keep in mind that the believer in Christ has the Lord Jesus Himself as an advocate.

Tertullus was the Roman prosecutor employed by the Jewish authorities to prosecute their case against Paul before Felix, the Roman Governor.  Such prosecutors were skilled orators possessing knowledge of Roman laws.  Curiously, the name Tertullus is derived from a term meaning “liar or imposter.”  Those vices proved essential, for his job was to charge the defendant with crimes he’d never committed. 

Tertullus first sought to impress the judge via flattery, then came the accusations—”this man is a plague who stirs up riots, a ringleader of a religious cult, who’s even profaned the temple.”  “For that reason, we seized him and brought him to this court.”  Though Tertullus was working for the Jews, his ultimate employer was none other than the devil, the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), who sought to do Paul harm.

Though Paul had no human attorney to represent him, he did have an advocate (1 John 2:1).  Charges were brought against Paul, but God is the One who justifies, so “who is to condemn” (Romans 8:33-34)?  From a loftier and more just courtroom, at the right hand of God Himself, the One who died and rose again, was interceding on Paul’s behalf (Romans 8:34)!  Sometimes the decision of a lower court is appealed to a higher court.  In the believer’s case, the finding of the highest court is always “not guilty,” for it is the blood of Christ itself that has won the once-for-all acquittal for sin (1 John 2:1-2).

“Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn?” –Romans 8:33-34

MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS
My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]

His oath, his covenant, his blood,
support me in the whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]

When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found:
dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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