The Greek word “bema”

Found primarily in the book of Acts (7:5; 12:21; 18:12, 16-17; 25:6, 10, 17), but also used in Mt. 27:19; Jn. 19:13; Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10, the Greek noun “bema” meant “platform,” “seat,” “step.”

In Acts 12:21 this word refers to a “speaker’s platform” used by Herod Agrippa. In Mt. 27:19; Jn. 19:13; Acts 18:12, 16; 25:6, 10, 17, this term describes a “portable official seat (sella curulis) on which the higher Roman officials sat in their function as judge” (Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament, 1:215). Paul used this noun to describe the “final judgment” in Rom. 14:10 and 2 Cor. 5:10.