Paragraph 25:17–21

25:17a

So: The Berean Standard Bible translates the Greek conjunction that introduces this verse as So. This Greek conjunction is often translated as “therefore.” Festus spoke of proper Roman justice in 25:16, therefore he had the trial as soon as the accusers came to Caesarea (25:17a). For example:

Therefore (King James Version)

Some English versions allow the context to indicate the connection and do not translate the conjunction.

when they came here with me: This clause in Greek is literally “having assembled here.” The Greek grammar indicates that the clause refers to the Jewish leaders gathering together in front of Festus after they traveled from Jerusalem. Other ways to translate this clause are:

When…they came together here (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
When his accusers came here (New Living Translation (2004))

I did not delay: This clause in Greek is literally “I, having made no delay.” But Festus was speaking of the trial, and you may want to make this clear. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I did not delay the case (New International Version)
-or-
I made no delay (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
I wasted no time (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
immediately (God’s Word)

25:17b

I sat on the judgment seat: The Greek words here are literally “I having sat down on the seat of judgment.” The judgment seat refers to a special chair that the judge sat on when he was ready to judge cases. See how you translated this clause in 25:6.

25:17c

ordered that the man be brought in: Festus ordered someone in the room to go and bring Paul. The clause the man be brought is passive. Festus may have spoken to one of his servants, an official of the court, the head jailer, or a soldier. Who exactly Festus ordered is not important to the story. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

ordered ⌊someone⌋ to bring the man in
-or-
summoned the man (God’s Word)
-or-
commanded ⌊a soldier⌋ to fetch the man

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