Acts 25:10
10Paul replied, ▼▼tn Grk “said.”
“I am standing before Caesar’s ▼▼tn Or “before the emperor’s” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).
judgment seat, ▼▼tn Although BDAG 175 s.v. βῆμα 3 gives the meaning “tribunal” for this verse, and a number of modern translations use similar terms (“court,” NIV; “tribunal,” NRSV), since the bema was a standard feature in Greco-Roman cities of the time, there is no need for an alternative translation here. Here of course Paul’s reference to “Caesar’s judgment seat” is a form of metonymy; since Festus is Caesar’s representative, Festus’ judgment seat represents Caesar’s own.
▼▼sn The judgment seat (βῆμα, bēma) was a raised platform mounted by steps and sometimes furnished with a seat, used by officials in addressing an assembly or making pronouncements, often on judicial matters. The judgment seat was a familiar item in Greco-Roman culture, often located in the agora, the public square or marketplace in the center of a city.
where I should be tried. ▼▼tn That is, tried by an imperial representative and subject to Roman law.
I have done nothing wrong ▼▼sn “I have done nothing wrong.” Here is yet another declaration of total innocence on Paul’s part.
to the Jews, as you also know very well. ▼
Copyright information for
NET2full