Telos "The end." "Whose end is destruction" (Phil. 3: 19). To the Greek reader

this passage would be suggestive, as the word "destruction" is the same as

"perdition" in Heb. 10: 39 which in its turn is the dread alternative of

"perfection" in Heb. 6: 1 "Let us go on unto perfection . . . . . not draw

back unto perdition".

Teleioo "To finish." "The third day I shall be perfected" (Luke 13: 32). "Make

the Captain of our salvation perfect through sufferings" (Heb. 2: 10).

Teleios "Perfect." "We speak wisdom among them that are perfect" (I Cor. 2: 6).

Teleiotes "Perfection." "Let us go on unto perfection" (Heb. 6: 1).

Teleiôtes "Perfecter." "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith"

(Heb. 12: 2). Heb. 12: 2 speaks of running a race, with joy set before the

runner, and the word translated "Author" is the same as that translated

"Captain" in Heb. 2: 10.

"Perfection" in these passages does not mean "improvement" but the reaching of a

goal. The stem of the Greek words tele quoted above is in common use in English, still

with the idea of distance uppermost, here are a few examples:

To speak or make a sound at a distance.

To write a word at a distance.

To see at a distance.

There are others that will occur to the reader.  The teaching of the Scriptures

concerning the Prize and the Crown is closely related with this word that means the

reaching of a goal, an "out-going" of life indeed.

Life in the apostle's estimate was of value because of its possibilities, and for him,

the redeemed and sanctified child of grace, life was not held dear except as a means to an

end, to finish the ministry which he had received of the Lord Jesus.