Acts 25:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:17 captures Governor Festus's decisive and immediate action upon his arrival in Caesarea, demonstrating his commitment to due process and efficient administration of justice. Having recently taken over from Felix, Festus wasted no time in addressing the persistent accusations against the Apostle Paul, convening court the very next day to hear the case and command Paul's appearance before his tribunal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Festus's detailed account to King Agrippa II and Bernice, explaining the circumstances surrounding Paul's continued imprisonment and the legal complexities he inherited. Festus had just arrived in Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea, to assume his new role as procurator, succeeding Felix who had left Paul incarcerated for two years ([Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Felix Leaves Paul in Prison")). Immediately upon Festus's arrival, Jewish leaders from Jerusalem, still vehemently opposed to Paul and seeking his condemnation, pressed their case, even attempting to secure Paul's transfer back to Jerusalem, where they planned an ambush. Festus's recounting of his prompt action in [Acts 25:17](/acts/25-17 "Acts 25:17 - Festus's Prompt Action") serves to justify his handling of the situation and set the stage for Paul's defense before the assembled dignitaries.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman legal system, though often influenced by political expediency, prided itself on principles of due process, including the right of the accused to face their accusers and be heard. The "judgment seat" (Latin: *tribunal*, Greek: *bema*) was a raised platform from which a Roman magistrate or governor would preside over legal proceedings, symbolizing their authority and the formal nature of the court. Festus, as a new procurator, would have been keen to establish his authority and demonstrate his adherence to Roman legal norms, especially in a volatile province like Judea where maintaining order and appearing impartial was crucial. His swift action contrasts sharply with the dilatory tactics of his predecessor, Felix, who had kept Paul imprisoned without resolution, likely hoping for a bribe ([Acts 24:26](/acts/24-26 "Acts 24:26 - Felix's Hope for a Bribe")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Roman Justice and Due Process**, showing that even amidst intense religious and political pressures, Roman legal structures provided a framework, however imperfect, for the accused to be heard. Festus's immediate convening of court underscores this. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereign Control** over human affairs; even the actions of a pagan governor like Festus are providentially guided to advance God's purposes for Paul. Paul's trials, rather than hindering the gospel, served as platforms for him to bear witness to Christ before powerful officials, foreshadowing his ultimate journey to Rome to preach the gospel there ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Appears to Paul")). Lastly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Perseverance in Ministry** despite opposition, as Paul continues to face legal challenges but remains steadfast in his mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Therefore (Greek, _oûn'_):** This conjunction signifies a logical consequence or transition, linking Festus's arrival in Caesarea (implied from previous verses) to his subsequent immediate action. It indicates that his decision to convene court was a direct and prompt response to the situation he encountered, particularly the persistent demands of the Jewish leaders.
* **delay (Greek, _anabolḗ'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to throw up" or "to put off," this term emphatically states Festus's lack of procrastination. It highlights his efficiency and decisiveness, especially when contrasted with Felix's two-year delay in Paul's case. Festus's intention was to resolve the matter swiftly, not to defer it.
* **judgment seat (Greek, _bēma'_):** This refers to the elevated platform or tribunal from which a Roman magistrate presided over legal proceedings. It is a powerful symbol of official authority, jurisdiction, and the formal administration of justice. Festus's act of sitting on the *bema* signifies the official opening of the court and his readiness to hear the case in a public and formal manner.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, when they were come hither":** This phrase connects the verse to the preceding narrative, indicating that the Jewish accusers from Jerusalem had arrived in Caesarea. The "therefore" (oûn) implies that their arrival was the immediate catalyst for Festus's subsequent actions, setting the stage for the legal proceedings.
* **"without any delay on the morrow":** This clause highlights Festus's promptness and efficiency. Instead of postponing the matter, as Felix had done, Festus acted immediately. The phrase "on the morrow" emphasizes that he wasted no time, convening court the very next day after the accusers arrived.
* **"I sat on the judgment seat":** This signifies the formal opening of the legal proceedings. Festus, as the Roman procurator, assumed his official position on the *bema* (judgment seat), ready to hear the case. This action underscores his commitment to administering justice according to Roman legal protocol.
* **"and commanded the man to be brought forth":** This final clause specifies the direct action Festus took. He issued an order for Paul, referred to simply as "the man," to be presented before the court. This command initiated the formal hearing, bringing the accused face-to-face with his accusers in a public forum.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Emphasis** is evident in the phrase "without any delay on the morrow," which underscores Festus's promptness and decisiveness, contrasting him with his predecessor, Felix. This rapid pacing reflects the new governor's desire for efficient administration. **Metonymy** is present in "judgment seat," where the physical platform stands in for the entire legal authority, the process of justice, and the official nature of the Roman court. The description also serves as a form of **Narrative Pacing**, moving the story forward swiftly after the previous chapter's two-year lull, indicating a renewed momentum in Paul's journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:17 illustrates the intricate ways in which God orchestrates human events, even through secular authorities, to fulfill His divine purposes. Festus, a pagan governor, unwittingly becomes an instrument in God's plan to bring Paul to Rome and allow him to bear witness to Christ before the highest echelons of Roman society. This verse reminds us that God's sovereignty extends over political systems and legal processes, ensuring that His will ultimately prevails, even amidst human opposition and bureaucratic structures. It also subtly highlights the importance of due process and the administration of justice, principles that find their ultimate source in God's righteous character.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Festus's promptness in convening court, "without any delay on the morrow," offers a powerful challenge to believers regarding our own responsiveness to matters of justice, truth, and spiritual urgency. While Festus's motivation was administrative efficiency, we are called to a similar promptness in pursuing righteousness and addressing injustice within our spheres of influence. This verse encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when we find ourselves caught in complex or frustrating systems. Paul's trials, though difficult, were part of God's strategy to spread the gospel. How often do we lament delays or obstacles, rather than seeking to discern God's hand in them? We are reminded that God can use anyone, even those unaware of His purposes, to advance His kingdom. Our call is to remain faithful and ready to bear witness, regardless of the earthly tribunal we face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Festus's promptness challenge my own tendency to delay or procrastinate in areas where I know I should act decisively, especially concerning matters of faith or justice?**
* **In what ways can I recognize God's sovereign hand at work in seemingly secular or bureaucratic systems in my own life or in the world around me?**
* **How can Paul's steadfastness amidst legal challenges inspire me to maintain my witness for Christ, even when facing opposition or difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "judgment seat" (bema) in Roman culture?**

Answer: The *bema* (Greek: βῆμα) was a raised platform or tribunal where a Roman magistrate, governor, or emperor would sit to conduct official business, including hearing legal cases, issuing decrees, and making public announcements. It was a powerful symbol of the official's authority and jurisdiction, representing the formal administration of Roman law and justice. When Festus "sat on the judgment seat," he was formally opening court and assuming his role as the presiding judicial authority, ready to hear Paul's case. Other notable instances of a *bema* in the New Testament include Pilate sitting on the judgment seat to condemn Jesus ([John 19:13](/john/19-13 "John 19:13 - Pilate on the Judgment Seat")) and the concept of the "judgment seat of Christ" where believers will give an account of their lives ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat of Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 25:17, though describing a secular legal proceeding, subtly points to Christ in several profound ways. Festus, seated on his earthly judgment seat, is a finite and flawed judge, yet his actions, however unwitting, serve the purposes of the ultimate and perfect Judge, Jesus Christ. The "man" (Paul) brought forth for judgment foreshadows the ultimate "Man," Jesus, who was Himself brought forth before earthly tribunals and condemned, though innocent ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). Paul's willingness to stand trial and suffer for the gospel reflects the pattern of his Lord, who endured the cross for the salvation of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Ultimately, all earthly judgments, including those rendered from a *bema*, are provisional and temporary, anticipating the final and righteous judgment of Christ, who will sit on His glorious throne to judge the living and the dead ([Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31-32 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Will Judge All Nations"); [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day to Judge the World by Jesus")). Thus, Festus's *bema* serves as a fleeting shadow of the eternal tribunal of the King of kings, before whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.