### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀκατάκριτος (akatákritos, `{{G178}}`) is a compound word derived from the alpha privative ἀ- (a negative particle meaning "not" or "without") and a form of the verb κατακρίνω (katakrínō, `{{G2632}}`), which means "to condemn," "to pass judgment against," or "to sentence." Therefore, ἀκατάκριτος literally signifies "uncondemned," "without having been judged," or more specifically, "without a legal trial." Its core meaning emphasizes the absence of a proper judicial process, implying that a person has not been legally convicted, or perhaps not even given the opportunity for defense, before facing punishment or accusation. The term carries a strong legal connotation, focusing on due process and the rights of the accused within a legal framework.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀκατάκριτος (akatákritos, `{{G178}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 22:25]]**: "But when they had stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, 'Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned (ἀκατάκριτος)?'"
* In this pivotal scene, Paul, having been seized in the temple, is about to be flogged by Roman soldiers to extract information. He asserts his Roman citizenship, a status that granted specific legal protections. His use of ἀκατάκριτος here is a direct appeal to Roman law, which prohibited the summary punishment of a Roman citizen without a formal trial and conviction. Paul highlights the grave injustice of being subjected to such a brutal punishment without having been formally accused, tried, or condemned by a legal court. His question immediately halts the flogging, demonstrating the power of legal rights asserted against arbitrary authority. The context underscores the importance of legal due process, even within a pagan judicial system, and Paul's shrewd use of his rights to further his mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀκατάκριτος (akatákritos, `{{G178}}`) is enhanced by examining its etymological root and related legal concepts:
* **κατακρίνω (katakrínō, `{{G2632}}`)**: The foundational verb, meaning "to condemn," "to pass sentence upon." This verb is frequently used in the New Testament to describe both human and divine condemnation. The negative prefix in ἀκατάκριτος directly negates this act of condemnation.
* **κρίνω (krínō, `{{G2919}}`)**: The more general verb for "to judge," "to decide," or "to pass judgment." While broader than κατακρίνω, it forms the conceptual basis for legal judgment.
* **δίκη (díkē, `{{G1349}}`)**: This noun refers to "justice," "right," or "punishment." The concept of being ἀκατάκριτος aligns with the pursuit of δίκη, ensuring that justice is administered fairly and according to law.
* **ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai, `{{G626}}`)**: "To make a defense," "to speak in defense." The right to be ἀκατάκριτος implies the right to ἀπολογέομαι before any condemnation. Paul himself frequently engaged in such defenses.
* **Justification**: The theological concept of justification (e.g., δικαίωσις, dikaiōsis, `{{G1347}}`) is deeply related. While ἀκατάκριτος refers to a legal status of not having been condemned *yet* or *improperly*, justification refers to the divine declaration of righteousness, where a believer is declared "not guilty" or "righteous" in God's sight, having been fully acquitted through Christ's work. In this sense, believers are eternally "uncondemned" by God.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of ἀκατάκριτος (akatákritos, `{{G178}}`) is profound, especially when viewed through the lens of divine justice and human rights.
1. **Divine Justice as the Ultimate Standard**: Paul's appeal in [[Acts 22:25]] highlights a fundamental principle of justice: no one should be punished without a fair trial and conviction. This human legal principle, even in a pagan context, reflects a deeper divine standard. God, as the ultimate Judge, operates with perfect righteousness and never condemns the truly innocent or those who are "uncondemned" in Christ. The injustice Paul faced serves as a stark contrast to the perfect justice of God, who will judge all righteously.
2. **The Believer's Status in Christ**: From a theological perspective, believers in Christ are fundamentally "uncondemned" before God. Paul writes in [[Romans 8:1]], "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This spiritual "uncondemned" status is not based on human innocence or legal process, but on the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who bore the condemnation humanity deserved. Through faith, believers are justified, declared righteous, and thus stand eternally ἀκατάκριτος before the divine tribunal.
3. **Advocacy for Rights and Justice**: Paul's assertion of his Roman rights, using the term ἀκατάκριτος, demonstrates that Christians are not called to passively accept all forms of injustice. While submitting to governing authorities is a biblical principle, asserting one's legitimate rights against unlawful actions is also permissible and, at times, necessary for the sake of the gospel or for upholding justice. This single occurrence serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice and the protection of the innocent are principles that resonate with God's character.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀκατάκριτος (akatákritos, `{{G178}}`) means "uncondemned" or "without a legal trial," emphasizing the absence of proper judicial procedure before punishment or accusation. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Acts 22:25]] powerfully illustrates Paul's appeal to his Roman citizenship, asserting his right not to be flogged without having been legally tried and condemned. This incident underscores the importance of due process and basic human rights, even within a secular legal system. Theologically, ἀκατάκριτος points to the perfect justice of God, who never condemns the innocent, and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the believer's status in Christ, where, through justification, they stand eternally "uncondemned" by God's righteous verdict.
TRV