Acts 25:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he had tarried {G1304} among {G1722} them {G846} more {G4119} than {G2228} ten {G1176} days {G2250}, he went down {G2597} unto {G1519} Caesarea {G2542}; and the next day {G1887} sitting {G2523} on {G1909} the judgment seat {G968} commanded {G2753} Paul {G3972} to be brought {G71}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After staying with them at most eight or ten days, Festus went down to Caesarea; and on the following day, he took his seat in court and ordered Sha’ul to be brought in.

Berean Standard Bible

After spending no more than eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered that Paul be brought in.

American Standard Version

And when he had tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down unto Cæsarea; and on the morrow he sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded Paul to be brought.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 25:6 details the swift action of Porcius Festus, the new Roman procurator of Judea, upon his arrival in Caesarea. After a brief stay in Jerusalem, Festus promptly travels to the administrative capital and, on the very next day, convenes his court. From his judgment seat, he issues the command for the Apostle Paul, who had been imprisoned for two years under the previous procurator Felix, to be brought before him to address the charges leveled against him by the Jewish authorities. This verse marks the beginning of a new phase in Paul's legal proceedings, underscoring the Roman emphasis on judicial process and setting the stage for Paul's appeal to Caesar.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Festus as the successor to Felix (Acts 24:27). The preceding chapter concludes with Felix leaving Paul imprisoned for two years, hoping to gain favor with the Jews, a clear demonstration of judicial corruption and delay. Acts 25:1-5 describes Festus's initial visit to Jerusalem, where the chief priests and leading Jews immediately presented their case against Paul, urging Festus to transfer Paul to Jerusalem—a request driven by a sinister plot to ambush and kill him on the way. Festus, however, wisely declined, insisting that Paul remain in Caesarea, the proper seat for Roman legal proceedings, and inviting Paul's accusers to follow him there. Acts 25:6 thus initiates the formal legal review of Paul's case under the new procurator, highlighting Festus's apparent diligence in contrast to Felix's procrastination.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Maritima served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea, housing the procurator's residence (the Praetorium) and the primary judicial court. Roman law and order were highly valued, and a new procurator would typically begin his tenure by addressing outstanding legal matters to establish his authority and efficiency. The "judgment seat" (bema) was a raised platform from which Roman magistrates presided over trials, symbolizing their judicial authority. The Jewish leaders' persistent pursuit of Paul, even under a new governor, reflects their deep-seated animosity and their desire to see him condemned, whether by Roman or Jewish law. Their willingness to travel from Jerusalem to Caesarea further underscores the intensity of their opposition to Paul and the Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. It showcases the theme of **Roman Justice and Administration**, illustrating the formal processes of the Roman legal system, even if those processes were often influenced by political expediency, as seen in [Felix's two-year delay](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Felix Leaves Paul Imprisoned"). The verse also subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Providence**, as God's sovereign hand continues to guide Paul's journey, ensuring his safety from plots and directing him toward his ultimate mission to [testify in Rome](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul"). Furthermore, it highlights **Paul's Perseverance** in the face of prolonged imprisonment and repeated legal challenges. Despite his confinement, Paul remains steadfast in his mission, demonstrating the enduring power of the Gospel even amidst adversity, a theme echoed in his later letters, such as [Philippians](/philippians/1 "Philippians 1 - Paul's Imprisonment and the Advance of the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tarried (Greek, _diatríbō'_):** This verb, G1304, literally means "to wear through (time)," implying a period of remaining or continuing. In this context, it describes Festus's relatively short stay in Jerusalem, emphasizing that he did not linger there but rather promptly moved to Caesarea to commence his official duties, including Paul's case. It suggests a focused, albeit brief, engagement before transitioning to the administrative capital.
* **judgment seat (Greek, _bēma'_):** G968, derived from a word meaning "a step," refers to an elevated platform or tribunal from which a magistrate rendered legal decisions. It was a formal, public setting for justice, signifying the authority and official nature of the proceedings. For Paul, being brought before the _bēma_ meant facing the full weight of Roman legal authority, a context that would later prove crucial for his appeal to Caesar.
* **commanded (Greek, _keleúō'_):** G2753, means "to incite by word" or "to order." This word highlights Festus's direct and authoritative action. It was not a request but a formal order issued by the procurator, demonstrating his immediate assumption of judicial responsibility and his intent to proceed with Paul's case without delay, unlike his predecessor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had tarried among them more than ten days,"**: This clause establishes the timeframe of Festus's initial visit to Jerusalem. The phrase "more than ten days" indicates a relatively short but significant period during which he met with the Jewish leaders and heard their accusations against Paul, yet resisted their attempt to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for a likely ambush.
* **"he went down unto Caesarea;"**: This signifies Festus's relocation from Jerusalem, the religious capital, to Caesarea, the Roman administrative and judicial capital. The phrase "went down" is geographically accurate, as Jerusalem is at a higher elevation than Caesarea on the coast. This move underscores the shift from preliminary discussions to formal legal proceedings.
* **"and the next day sitting on the judgment seat"**: This emphasizes Festus's promptness and efficiency. "The next day" indicates his immediate attention to judicial matters upon arriving in Caesarea. "Sitting on the judgment seat" signifies his formal assumption of his role as procurator and judge, ready to dispense justice.
* **"commanded Paul to be brought."**: This is the direct action that sets the narrative in motion. Festus's command for Paul to be brought before him demonstrates his intent to address the long-standing case, signaling a new chapter in Paul's imprisonment and legal defense. It also highlights Paul's continued status as a prisoner, subject to the authority of the Roman state.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Progression**, clearly advancing the plot of Paul's imprisonment and trial. It marks a distinct shift in the story, moving from Felix's corrupt and stagnant administration to Festus's more decisive, albeit still politically motivated, approach. The phrase "the next day" provides a sense of **Urgency and Efficiency**, highlighting Festus's promptness in contrast to Felix's two-year delay, thereby emphasizing the new procurator's character and administrative style. There is also subtle **Foreshadowing** as Festus's immediate convening of court sets the stage for Paul's subsequent appeal to Caesar, which will ultimately lead him to Rome, fulfilling divine prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 25:6, while seemingly a mundane detail of administrative transition, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign orchestration of events, even through secular authorities and legal systems. Festus's promptness, whether driven by genuine efficiency or political ambition, inadvertently served God's larger purpose for Paul. This passage reminds believers that divine providence is at work not only in grand miracles but also in the seemingly ordinary, and often challenging, circumstances of life. Paul's continued legal entanglements, far from hindering the gospel, ultimately provided him with unique platforms to bear witness to Christ before powerful rulers, demonstrating that God's mission advances even in chains.

* [Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Felix Leaves Paul Imprisoned")
* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful reminder that God's purposes are often fulfilled through human systems and authorities, even those that are imperfect or secular. Paul's journey, marked by delays, accusations, and shifts in governance, demonstrates that God's plan is not thwarted by human machinations or administrative changes. For us, this means trusting in God's sovereignty even when our circumstances seem mired in bureaucracy, injustice, or prolonged waiting. We may face situations where progress is slow, or new authorities bring fresh challenges, but like Paul, we are called to persevere in faith, knowing that God is working behind the scenes. Our mission, like Paul's, is to remain faithful witnesses, recognizing that every platform, even a judgment seat, can become an opportunity to declare the truth of the Gospel. This perspective encourages patience, resilience, and a deep reliance on God's ultimate control, even when the path ahead is unclear or fraught with legal complexities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Festus's promptness in this verse contrast with Felix's actions, and what does this tell us about the nature of human justice?**
* **In what ways can we discern God's hand at work in seemingly mundane or challenging administrative processes in our own lives?**
* **How does Paul's continued perseverance in the face of legal challenges encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith during difficult seasons?**

### FAQ
**Why did Festus go to Caesarea so quickly after arriving in Jerusalem?**

Answer: Festus, as the new Roman procurator, likely moved quickly to Caesarea because it was the administrative capital of Judea and the seat of Roman power. His prompt action, "the next day sitting on the judgment seat," demonstrates an eagerness to establish his authority, address the backlog of legal cases (including Paul's, which had been left unresolved by Felix), and generally demonstrate efficiency at the start of his tenure. While he had met with Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, the formal legal proceedings were conducted in Caesarea.

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

Answer: The "judgment seat" (Greek: _bēma_) was an elevated platform or tribunal from which Roman magistrates, like Festus, presided over legal cases. It was a symbol of their judicial authority and the formal setting for rendering legal decisions. For Paul, being brought before the _bēma_ was a critical step in his legal journey, as it was from this very seat that he would later appeal to Caesar, exercising his rights as a Roman citizen and ultimately ensuring his journey to Rome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 25:6 describes a secular legal proceeding, it subtly points to Christ in its broader narrative of divine sovereignty and the suffering servant. Paul's repeated appearances before Roman governors and kings, beginning here with Festus on the judgment seat, echo the trials of Jesus Himself, who stood before [Pilate's judgment seat](/john/18-33-40 "John 18:33-40 - Jesus Before Pilate") and was unjustly condemned. Just as Jesus, the ultimate suffering servant, submitted to human authority for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, so too Paul endures these trials, knowing that they are part of God's will for him to bear witness to Christ. The "judgment seat" that Paul faces foreshadows the ultimate judgment seat of Christ before which all will stand, as described in [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat of Christ"). Furthermore, Paul's unwavering commitment to the Gospel, even in chains, reflects the Lord's own faithfulness and the truth that the message of salvation cannot be bound. The advancement of the Gospel through Paul's imprisonment, as he later testifies in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - The Advance of the Gospel"), is a testament to the power of Christ, who works through His servants even in their weakness and confinement, ensuring that His kingdom continues to expand.

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 25:17

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.

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.

Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Acts 18:12

¶ And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

Acts 18:17

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat [him] before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

John 19:13

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.