ἀκωλύτως

freely, without hindrance

Definition

The adverb ἀκωλύτως means 'without hindrance' or 'freely,' describing an action that proceeds unopposed and without obstruction. In the New Testament, it specifically characterizes the unimpeded proclamation of the gospel. Its sole biblical occurrence is in Acts 28:31, where it describes Paul preaching in Rome 'with all boldness and without hindrance.' This final word of Acts underscores the triumphant, unstoppable nature of God's message. While not used in legal documents within the Bible, its force conveys a divinely authorized freedom.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 28:31. It appears in the climactic conclusion of the book, summarizing Paul's two-year ministry in Rome while under house arrest. The context is the public proclamation of the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. Its placement suggests a thematic summary: despite physical chains and opposition, the word of God advances unhindered.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (a-, meaning 'not' or 'without') and the verbal root κωλύω (kōlyō, G2967), which means 'to hinder, prevent, or forbid.' Thus, it literally means 'in an unhindered manner.' The root κωλύω appears in passages like Matthew 19:14, where Jesus says, 'Suffer little children, and forbid them not,' highlighting what ἀκωλύτως negates.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as the final word in the Book of Acts, serving as a powerful conclusion to the narrative of the early church. It emphasizes that human opposition (imprisonment, trials, persecution) cannot ultimately hinder the progress of the gospel. It reinforces the doctrine of God's sovereignty in salvation history and the unstoppable nature of His word (Isaiah 55:11). Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the triumphant note on which Acts ends.

In a Roman context, where legal and imperial authority could severely restrict movement and speech, declaring an activity as happening 'without hindrance' (ἀκωλύτως) carried significant weight. For Luke to apply this term to Christian preaching—even while the preacher was under guard—subverts expected cultural power dynamics, asserting a higher, divine authority at work.

παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia, G3954) — denotes 'boldness' or 'openness' in speech, often paired with ἀκωλύτως in concept (as in Acts 28:31). ἐλευθέρως (eleutherōs, G1658) — means 'freely,' but often with a focus on liberty from bondage rather than the removal of external obstacles.

Word Details