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.

Therefore {G3767}, when they {G846} were come {G4905} hither {G1759}, without {G4160} any {G3367} delay {G311} on the morrow {G1836} I sat {G2523} on {G1909} the judgment seat {G968}, and commanded {G2753} the man {G435} to be brought forth {G71}.

So when they arrived here with me, I did not delay, but took my seat in court the next day and ordered the man brought in.

So when they came here with me, I did not delay. The next day I sat on the judgment seat and ordered that the man be brought in.

When therefore they were come together here, I made no delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded the man to be brought.

Commentary

Acts 25:17 KJV describes Governor Festus's prompt action upon arriving in Caesarea, setting the stage for the next phase of the apostle Paul's extended legal proceedings.

Context

This verse is part of Festus's account to King Agrippa and Bernice, explaining his initial handling of Paul's case. Festus had recently arrived in Caesarea to take over as the Roman procurator of Judea, succeeding Felix, who had left Paul imprisoned for two years (Acts 24:27). Jewish leaders from Jerusalem, still intent on condemning Paul, immediately approached Festus upon his arrival, seeking to expedite Paul's trial or even have him transferred back to Jerusalem for an ambush.

Festus, aiming to establish his authority and administer justice efficiently, decided to address the matter without delay. He recounts how, after the accusers arrived from Jerusalem ("when they were come hither"), he wasted no time but immediately convened court the following day.

Key Themes

  • Roman Justice and Due Process: Despite political pressure and the intense animosity of the Jewish leaders, Festus adhered to Roman legal protocol. His immediate act of sitting on the judgment seat signifies a formal and public hearing, emphasizing the Roman commitment to a semblance of fair trial, even if imperfectly applied.
  • Festus's Efficiency: The phrase "without any delay on the morrow" highlights Festus's desire to handle this high-profile case swiftly. This contrasts with Felix's procrastination, which had left Paul in prison for an extended period, delaying justice.
  • Paul's Enduring Witness: This verse underscores the ongoing nature of Paul's imprisonment and trials, which ultimately served God's purpose in allowing Paul to bear witness to Christ before significant Roman and Jewish authorities, including King Agrippa himself (Acts 26:1).

Linguistic Insights

The term "judgment seat" translates the Greek word bema (Ξ²αΏ†ΞΌΞ±). In the Roman world, the bema was a raised platform where a magistrate or governor would sit to hear cases, pass judgments, or make public announcements. It was a symbol of official authority and the place where legal and administrative decisions were made. Other notable instances of a bema in the New Testament include Pilate sitting on the judgment seat to condemn Jesus (John 19:13) and the concept of the judgment seat of Christ for believers.

Practical Application

Acts 25:17 reminds us that God's plan unfolds even through the secular systems of the world. Festus, a pagan governor, unwittingly played a role in advancing Paul's mission to Rome by facilitating his trial. For believers today, this can offer comfort that God is sovereign over all circumstances, including legal challenges or bureaucratic delays. It also highlights the importance of due process and the fair administration of justice, principles that resonate with biblical calls for righteousness and equity (Deuteronomy 16:20).

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Cross-References

  • Acts 25:6

    And 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 25:10

    Then 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.
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