Lexical Summary akólutós: Unhindered, without hindrance Original Word: ἀκώλυτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without hindranceAdverb from a compound of a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of koluo; in an unhindered manner, i.e. Freely -- no man forbidding him. see GREEK a see GREEK koluo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and kóluó Definition without hindrance NASB Translation unhindered (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 209: ἀκωλύτωςἀκωλύτως, adverb (κωλύω), without hindrance: Acts 28:31. (Plato, Epictetus, Herodian) Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage in the New Testament The adverb occurs a single time in the Greek New Testament, appearing in Acts 28:31 to describe the manner of the apostle Paul’s proclamation of the gospel while under Roman custody. Context within Acts 28:31 Acts closes with Paul residing under house arrest in Rome, guarded yet allowed visitors. Luke records that Paul was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). The word translated “without hindrance” provides a final, programmatic statement for Luke’s two-volume work. Despite opposition, imprisonment, and legal appeals, the gospel arrives in the heart of the empire unrestrained. Historical Background: Paul in Rome Around A.D. 60–62, Paul awaited his hearing before Caesar (Acts 25:10–12). Roman law permitted a prisoner to rent his own quarters and receive guests (Acts 28:30). Although chained to a soldier (Acts 28:20), Paul enjoyed a measure of freedom to meet Jews and Gentiles, write epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and expound Scripture. Luke’s closing remark underscores that neither Roman chains nor Jewish opposition could mute the apostolic witness. Theological Significance: The Unstoppable Word 1. Fulfillment of Jesus’ commission (Acts 1:8). The gospel advances from Jerusalem to “the ends of the earth,” symbolized by Rome. Related Scriptural Parallels • 2 Timothy 2:9 – Paul in a later imprisonment echoes the same truth. Collectively these passages form a biblical theology of the unhindered advance of God’s revelation. Implications for Mission and Ministry • Confidence amid opposition. Modern evangelists labor under political, cultural, or physical constraints, yet Scripture portrays such limits as ultimately powerless against the divine mandate. Practical Application for the Church 1. Pray expectantly for open doors (Colossians 4:3) knowing God specializes in unhindered openings. The lone New Testament occurrence of Strong’s 209 therefore functions as a Spirit-inspired banner over the entire missionary enterprise: the gospel of Jesus Christ goes forward unhindered. Forms and Transliterations ακωλυτως ακωλύτως ἀκωλύτως akolutos akōlutōs akolytos akolýtos akōlytōs akōlýtōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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