Acts 25:17
What does Acts 25:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:17 means
Festus relates that, when the parties gathered in Cæsarea, he made no delay. The next day he took the judgment-seat and ordered Paul brought in. This displays administrative diligence and fairness, at least procedurally. He gives the impression of a governor doing his duty, not dragging his feet or bending to backroom pressures. Paul is again placed in a formal setting where truth claims can be weighed. God grants opportunities to bring the gospel into official venues, where it can be assessed publicly. The verse reinforces that the issue will be decided, not by rumor, but by examination before recognized authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore, 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So, when they had come together here, straight away, on the day after, I took my place on the judge's seat and sent for the man.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`They, therefore, having come together--I, making no delay, on the succeeding <FI>day<Fi> having sat upon the tribunal, did command the man to be brought,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When therefore they were come hither, without any delay, on the day following, sitting in the judgment seat, I commanded the man to be brought.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890When therefore they had come together here, without putting it off, I sat the next day on the judgment-seat and commanded the man to be brought:
Context
Following his statement of Roman legal custom (verse 16), Festus now recounts his swift implementation of those standards. This leads directly to the accusers’ presentation and his realization (verse 18) that the charges were not the grave crimes he had expected. Verse 19 will reveal the heart of the dispute—Jesus’ death and Paul’s claim that He is alive. This builds the case for why Festus, unfamiliar with Jewish theology, needs Agrippa’s insight and why the coming hearing before Agrippa will be valuable.
v.16To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him.
v.17This passage
v.18Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such evil things as I supposed;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 25:10
But Paul said, I am standing before Cæsar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.
- Acts 25:6
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.
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