Judgment hall
Gr. praitorion (John 18:28, 33; 19:9; Matthew 27:27), "common hall." In all these passages the Revised Version renders "palace." In Mark 15:16 the word is rendered "Praetorium" (q.v.), which is a Latin word, meaning literally the residence of the praetor, and then the governor's residence in general, though not a praetor. Throughout the Gospels the word "praitorion" has this meaning (Comp. Acts 23:35). Pilate's official residence when he was in Jerusalem was probably a part of the fortress of Antonia.
The trial of our Lord was carried on in a room or office of the palace. The "whole band" spoken of by Mark were gathered together in the palace court.
Judgment, The final
The sentence that will be passed on our actions at the last day (Matthew 25; Romans 14:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).
The judge is Jesus Christ, as mediator. All judgment is committed to him (Acts 17:31; John 5:22, 27; Revelation 1:7). "It pertains to him as mediator to complete and publicly manifest the salvation of his people and the overthrow of his enemies, together with the glorious righteousness of his work in both respects."
The persons to be judged are, (1) the whole race of Adam without a single exception (Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; Revelation 20:11-15); and (2) the fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6).
The rule of judgment is the standard of God's law as revealed to men, the heathen by the law as written on their hearts (Luke 12:47, 48; Romans 2:12-16); the Jew who "sinned in the law shall be judged by the law" (Romans 2:12); the Christian enjoying the light of revelation, by the will of God as made known to him (Matthew 11:20-24; John 3:19). Then the secrets of all hearts will be brought to light (1 Corinthians 4:5; Luke 8:17; 12:2, 3) to vindicate the justice of the sentence pronounced.
The time of the judgment will be after the resurrection (Hebrews 9:27; Acts 17:31).
As the Scriptures represent the final judgment "as certain [Ecclesiastes 11:9], universal [2 Corinthians 5:10], righteous [Romans 2:5], decisive [1 Corinthians 15:52], and eternal as to its consequences [Hebrews 6:2], let us be concerned for the welfare of our immortal interests, flee to the refuge set before us, improve our precious time, depend on the merits of the Redeemer, and adhere to the dictates of the divine word, that we may be found of him in peace."
Judgment seat
(Matthew 27:19), a portable tribunal (Gr. bema) which was placed according as the magistrate might direct, and from which judgment was pronounced. In this case it was placed on a tesselated pavement, probably in front of the procurator's residence. (see GABBATHA.)
