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 25:17KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 25:17 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:17 mean?

Acts 25:17 records the Roman governor Festus explaining that when the Jewish leaders arrived, he wasted no time and, on the next day, took his place at the official judgment seat and ordered that Paul be brought before him. This verse highlights Festus’s promptness and formality in handling Paul’s case.

Festus is speaking to King Agrippa, recounting how he dealt with the accusations against Paul. The setting is a formal hearing, with Festus emphasizing that he followed proper Roman legal procedures by not delaying and by holding the hearing publicly and officially. This detail shows Festus’s concern for justice and transparency in a politically sensitive situation.

The Greek behind Acts 25:17

  • “Judgment seat” (βῆμα, bēma): This word refers to an official platform or seat where a Roman authority would preside over legal matters. Its use here underlines the formal, legal nature of Paul’s hearing.
  • “Without any delay” (ἀναβολὴν μηδεμίαν, anabolēn mēdemian): This phrase stresses that Festus acted immediately, without postponing the proceedings. It signals his intent to be fair and efficient, which was important in Roman governance.
  • “Commanded” (ἐκέλευσα, ekeleusa): This verb means to order or direct with authority. Festus is making it clear that he personally took charge of the process, reinforcing his role as the responsible decision-maker.

Why Acts 25:17 matters

  • Acts 25:17 clarifies that Festus was careful to follow Roman legal customs, countering any suggestion that Paul’s trial was handled carelessly or unjustly.
  • The verse helps the reader see the tension between Jewish accusations and Roman procedures, setting the stage for Paul’s defense and eventual appeal to Caesar.
  • By emphasizing the formal setting and prompt action, the verse shows how Paul’s case was treated seriously at the highest levels, which is important for understanding the fairness and public nature of his trial.

Where else these words appear

“morrow” Greek G1836 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
  • Luke 9:37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
  • Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

“hither” Greek G1759 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • John 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
  • Acts 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

“seat” Greek G968 · used in 12 verses

  • 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.
  • Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
  • 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.

“commanded” Greek G2753 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
  • Luke 18:40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
  • Acts 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.