The Greek adverb aphobōs means without fear or fearlessly — acting without anxiety, dread, or intimidation. Formed from the negative alpha and phobos (fear), it describes the freedom from fear that characterizes authentic Christian ministry and righteous living. The word appears four times in the New Testament.
Luke 1:74-75: God's redemption enables His people to 'serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness.' 1 Corinthians 16:10: 'see to it that he has nothing to fear... for he is carrying on the work of the Lord.' Philippians 1:14: believers 'dare all the more to proclaim the gospel fearlessly.' Jude 12 uses it negatively of false teachers who 'feast with you without the slightest qualm (aphobōs).' True aphobōs is the fruit of perfect love casting out fear (1 John 4:18).