King James Version

What Does Acts 25:17 Mean?

Acts 25:17 in the King James Version says “Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 25:17 · KJV

Context

15

About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

16

To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face , and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

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.

18

Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

19

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat—Festus recounts his prompt action to King Agrippa. The phrase ἀναβολὴν μηδεμίαν ποιησάμενος (anabolēn mēdemian poiēsamenos, 'making no delay') emphasizes his diligence—a contrast to Felix's two-year stalling (24:27). The morrow (τῇ ἑξῆς, tē hexēs) shows immediate action upon arrival in Caesarea. I sat on the judgment seat (καθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος, kathisas epi tou bēmatos)—the bēma was the official tribunal, symbolizing Roman authority and formal legal proceedings.

Festus's account serves to justify his refusal to send Paul to Jerusalem (where an ambush waited, 25:3). By emphasizing his swift, proper legal procedure, he distinguishes himself from his predecessor Felix and demonstrates to Agrippa that he followed protocol. Yet Festus admits his confusion about the charges—setting up his request for Agrippa's help in framing accusations for Caesar.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Porcius Festus succeeded Felix as procurator of Judea around AD 59-60. Unlike Felix's corrupt nine-year tenure, Festus attempted conscientious governance, though he ruled only 2-3 years before dying in office. The bēma (judgment seat) in Caesarea was a raised platform where the procurator heard cases. Festus's prompt attention to Paul's case suggests both administrative efficiency and awareness that this case had political implications—Paul had been imprisoned for years, and the Jewish leadership immediately pressed for resolution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Festus's prompt action contrast with Felix's procrastination, and what does this teach about God's timing in advancing Paul toward Rome?
  2. What's the spiritual significance of Paul repeatedly standing before <em>bēma</em> seats, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10)?
  3. In what ways do earthly judges' diligence or corruption affect justice, and how should this inform Christian engagement with legal systems?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
συνελθόντων1 of 17

“were come”

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

οὖν2 of 17

“Therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτῶν3 of 17

“when they”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐνθάδε4 of 17

“hither”

G1759

properly, within, i.e., (of place) here, hither

ἀναβολὴν5 of 17

“delay”

G311

a putting off

μηδεμίαν6 of 17

“any”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ποιησάμενος7 of 17

“without”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τῇ8 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑξῆς9 of 17

“on the morrow”

G1836

successive

καθίσας10 of 17

“I sat”

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

ἐπὶ11 of 17

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ12 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βήματος13 of 17

“the judgment seat”

G968

a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal

ἐκέλευσα14 of 17

“and commanded”

G2753

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

ἀχθῆναι15 of 17

“to be brought forth”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

τὸν16 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνδρα·17 of 17

“the man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 25:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 25:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 25:6Acts 25:10

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