Acts 25:17
Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
Original Language Analysis
συνελθόντων
were come
G4905
συνελθόντων
were come
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
1 of 17
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
αὐτῶν
when they
G846
αὐτῶν
when they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ποιησάμενος
without
G4160
ποιησάμενος
without
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 17
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθίσας
I sat
G2523
καθίσας
I sat
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
10 of 17
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βήματος
the judgment seat
G968
βήματος
the judgment seat
Strong's:
G968
Word #:
13 of 17
a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal
ἀχθῆναι
to be brought forth
G71
ἀχθῆναι
to be brought forth
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
Cross References
Acts 25:6And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.Acts 25:10Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
Historical Context
Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as procurator of Judea around AD 59-60. Unlike Felix's corrupt nine-year tenure, Festus attempted conscientious governance, though he ruled only 2-3 years before dying in office. The bēma (judgment seat) in Caesarea was a raised platform where the procurator heard cases. Festus's prompt attention to Paul's case suggests both administrative efficiency and awareness that this case had political implications—Paul had been imprisoned for years, and the Jewish leadership immediately pressed for resolution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Festus's prompt action contrast with Felix's procrastination, and what does this teach about God's timing in advancing Paul toward Rome?
- What's the spiritual significance of Paul repeatedly standing before <em>bēma</em> seats, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10)?
- In what ways do earthly judges' diligence or corruption affect justice, and how should this inform Christian engagement with legal systems?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat—Festus recounts his prompt action to King Agrippa. The phrase ἀναβολὴν μηδεμίαν ποιησάμενος (anabolēn mēdemian poiēsamenos, 'making no delay') emphasizes his diligence—a contrast to Felix's two-year stalling (24:27). The morrow (τῇ ἑξῆς, tē hexēs) shows immediate action upon arrival in Caesarea. I sat on the judgment seat (καθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος, kathisas epi tou bēmatos)—the bēma was the official tribunal, symbolizing Roman authority and formal legal proceedings.
Festus's account serves to justify his refusal to send Paul to Jerusalem (where an ambush waited, 25:3). By emphasizing his swift, proper legal procedure, he distinguishes himself from his predecessor Felix and demonstrates to Agrippa that he followed protocol. Yet Festus admits his confusion about the charges—setting up his request for Agrippa's help in framing accusations for Caesar.