Judgment Seat - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

JUDGMENT SEAT

(bema, "a raised place," "platform," "tribune," Matthew 27:19; John 19:13; see GABBATHA; Acts 12:21 margin (text "throne"); 18:12,16; 25:6,17):

In Greek law courts, one bema was provided for the accuser, another for the accused; but in the New Testament the word designates the official scat of a judge, usually of the Roman governor; also of the emperor (Acts 25:10); then of God (Romans 14:10), of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). The word kriterion, "a tribunal," "bench of judges" (James 2:6) occurs also in 1 Corinthians 6:2-4, and is there translated in the Revised Version margin by "tribunals."

See also JUDGE.

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'JUDGMENT SEAT'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.