The Greek word anabolē (G311) means a throwing up, a delay, or a postponement. It appears once in the New Testament in Acts 25:17, where Festus describes how he wasted no time (anabolēn mēdemian poiēsamenos — "making no delay") in convening the hearing for the Apostle Paul.
The word is derived from anaballō (to throw back/delay), and in classical Greek was used for postponements in legal proceedings.
Festus' use of anabolē reveals his Roman administrative efficiency — he was eager to demonstrate his diligence to King Agrippa. Yet the theological irony is profound: the delay he refused to make in Paul's case was a delay in silencing the gospel. God's providential timing ensured that Paul's defense became an opportunity to proclaim the resurrection before the highest Roman and Jewish officials in the region.
Scripture consistently warns against spiritual anabolē — the dangerous delay of responding to God's call. "Now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). The urgency of the gospel allows no indefinite postponement.