Finish

Greek Word Pronunciation: te-LEH-oh
Strong's Number: 5055
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5464
Key Verse: “It is finished.” -- John 19:30

Teleo means “to finish, complete, conclude. Papyri receipts for taxes have been recovered with this word written across them, meaning “paid in full.” This word appears 28 times in the New Testament, with different translations as accomplish, finish, complete, and fulfill.

In Matthew and Mark, several times the reference is “Jesus had finished” parables or teachings. Matthew 17:24 and Romans 13:6 refer to those who “pay taxes.” Romans 2:37 refers to a person who “keeps the Law.” There are 8 occurrences in Revelation regarding God Who finished/fulfilled/completed His purposes. In Luke 12:50, Jesus refers to the baptism He must undergo, and His distress “until it is accomplished.” Luke 18:31 and 22:37, John 19:28, and Acts 13:29, all relate to the things which are to occur in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies written of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Christ said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Human weakness opens the way for more of Christ’s power and grace. It is when we are conscious that we are feeble, and when we feel our need of aid, that the Redeemer manifests His power to uphold, and imparts His purest consolations. In Galatians 5:16, Paul says, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” The only way to overcome bringing to fulfillment the corrupt desires and propensities of our nature, is by submitting to the influences of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says that he has “finished the course…” He has come up to the goal, and he now concluded his work was done, and his warfare accomplished. James 2:8 refers to “fulfilling the royal law” of loving your neighbor as yourself. God’s royal law of love reigns supreme and is the sum and essence of the Ten Commandments.

In the key verse, JOHN 19:30, as Christ hung on the cross, having lived a sinless life, having paid the penalty for our sins, Jesus uttered His last words before dying, “It is finished.” His redemptive work was completed. The perfect tense of this word describes Jesus’ act as “it has been finished and stands complete, forever done.” Because Jesus fully completed His task, the ongoing effects are that sinners are offered the free gift of salvation so that they can be with Him forever.