Acts 25:6
What does Acts 25:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 25:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 25:6 means
After a short stay in Jerusalem, Festus returns to Cæsarea and wastes no time convening court the next day, summoning Paul. The official setting—the judgment-seat—signals a formal and decisive hearing, not a casual inquiry. Festus appears efficient and conscientious, yet he is still navigating unfamiliar religious disputes. Paul, long confined, is again brought into public view, where truth and falsehood will be tested. The verse underlines how God sets His servants on platforms, even in chains, to bear witness. The swiftness of proceedings also prevents backroom maneuvering, securing a transparent process in which the accusations must stand or fall.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when he had been with them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and on the day after, he took his place on the judge's seat, and sent for Paul.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having tarried among them more than ten days, having gone down to Caesarea, on the morrow having sat upon the tribunal, he commanded Paul to be brought;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And having tarried among them no more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, he sat in the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And having remained among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and on the next day, having sat down on the judgment-seat, commanded Paul to be brought.
Context
This follows Festus’ directive that accusers come to Cæsarea (verse 5). His return within eight to ten days and immediate convening of court show momentum. In the next verse, the accusers surround Paul with many severe allegations but offer no proof. Then Paul responds succinctly (verse 8), denying guilt against the law, the temple, or Cæsar. The context of formal adjudication is essential because it forces clarity: are these political crimes, religious disputes, or baseless charges? The outcome will influence Festus’ next move and Paul’s strategic appeal to Cæsar.
v.5Let them therefore, saith he, that are of power among you go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him.
v.6This passage
v.7And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 18:12
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,
- Acts 25:17
When 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.
- 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.
- John 19:13
When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment-seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
- James 2:6
But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats?
- Matthew 27:19
And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
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