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 25:6KJV
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Acts 25:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 25:6 mean?

Acts 25:6 describes how the Roman governor, after staying with the Jewish leaders for more than ten days, traveled down to Caesarea and, on the very next day, took his seat as judge and ordered that Paul be brought before him. The verse highlights the governor’s decision to move the legal proceedings forward after a short delay.

The setting is a formal legal context: the Roman governor (Festus) is in Jerusalem, dealing with Jewish leaders who want Paul tried. After spending some time with them, Festus returns to Caesarea, the Roman administrative center, and quickly resumes Paul’s case. This verse shows the official and procedural nature of Paul’s trial and the governor’s role in managing it.

The Greek behind Acts 25:6

  • "Tarried" (διέτριψεν, dietripsen): This word means to stay or remain, often with the sense of spending time deliberately. It shows that Festus did not rush but gave some attention to the Jewish leaders before leaving.
  • "Sitting" (καθίσας, kathisas): This refers to taking an official seat, especially in a judicial sense. It emphasizes that Festus is acting in his formal capacity as judge, not just as an administrator.
  • "Judgment seat" (βήματος, bēmatos): This is the official raised platform where a Roman official would hear cases. It signals that what follows is a formal legal proceeding, not a casual meeting.
  • "Commanded" (ἐκέλευσεν, ekeleusen): This word means to order or instruct with authority, highlighting that Festus is in control of the situation and is directing the legal process.

Why Acts 25:6 matters

  • Acts 25:6 clarifies that Festus did not immediately give in to the Jewish leaders’ demands but took time before proceeding, showing a measure of caution or neutrality.
  • The verse sets the stage for Paul’s formal trial, making it clear that this is a Roman legal matter, not just a religious dispute.
  • By describing the governor’s actions in detail, Acts 25:6 helps the reader see the seriousness and official nature of Paul’s situation, connecting this moment to the broader narrative of Paul’s defense before Roman authorities.

Where else these words appear

“tarried” Greek G1304 · used in 10 verses

  • John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
  • Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
  • Acts 16:12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

“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 25:10 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.

“Caesarea” Greek G2542 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
  • Acts 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

“day” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
  • Acts 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.