Apolutrosis (setting free, release, deliverance) appears 10 times in the N.T. (Luke 21:28; Romans 3:24, 8:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7, 1:14, 4:30; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:15, 11:35). It is pronounced, roughly, ah-poe-LYOO-tro-sis, accent on the middle syllable.
Release is usually personal deliverance from sin and its effects, but it has a broader meaning as well in the N.T. In Hebrews 11 (in an apparent reference to 2 Maccabees), those being tortured refused release because they sought a greater reward at the resurrection. The sense of release should vitalize our daily walk with the Lord. No longer need we be oppressed, imprisoned, or burdened. Thank God for his apolutrosis through Jesus Christ our Lord.
