Three times the New Testament mentions a judgment seat, and each time someone sits in judgment over another. Pilate is “set down on the judgment seat” when his wife sends him a warning about Jesus (Matthew 27:19). In Corinth, the Jews bring Paul before Gallio, who drives them from his court (Acts 18:12-16). Paul then turns the picture around for believers: “we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ,” and each of us will give account to God (Romans 14:10-12). Christians read that last passage in different ways, but all agree its setting is a call to treat a brother gently.
3 verses
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Matthew George Easton, 1897
(Matt. 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.)