[Greek] τελέω (teleō), [Latin] consummare, [Latin] solvere, [Latin] perficere, [Latin] implere, [French] detacher, [German] losen, [French] acquitter, [French] accomplir, [French] achever: to complete, to fulfill, to end, to pay, to bring to an end; 30 scriptures
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to fulfill, to put into effect, to finish, to pay taxes, to perfect, and to bring to pass.
Homer’s Iliad 14.44: “I fear mighty Hector will make good his word with threats.”
Homer’s Iliad 23.20: “For even now I am bringing to fulfillment all that aforetime I promised thee.”
Homer’s Odyssey 3.119: “And hardly did the son of Cronos bring it to pass.”
Homer’s Iliad 9.456: “The gods fulfilled his curse.”
Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 8.63: “I will not remove from their position, for they have carried out my instructions faithfully.”
Old Testament: This term means to carry through, to fulfill, to complete, to bring to an end.
New Testament: This term means to finish, to carry out, to pay tax, and to fulfill. The disciples will not finish (visiting) the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Commands, parable, works, and the law are carried out. Like an athlete, Paul has finished the race and faithfully kept the faith. Taxes were paid for the upkeep of the temple. Jesus finishes His work on the crucifix.
Scripture:
“There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and now great is My anguish until it is accomplished.” Lk.12:50
Drinking the cup is an Old Testament metaphor for the acceptance of destiny by God. Jesus’ baptism is His crucifixion and death for the salvation of man.
“I [Paul] have competed well; I have finished the race. I have kept the face.” 2Tim.4:7
Like an athlete, Paul has finished the Christian race of life. Paul has finished the race in being faithful.
“When Jesus had taken the wine, He said, ‘It is finished.’ And bowing His head, He handed over the spirit.” Jn.19:30
Jesus finishes the Passover on the cross. Jesus’ work is not finished because our justification (salvation) is not complete. Jesus, the Passover Lamb has been sacrificed on the Cross.
Last Supper (a Passover meal): requires 4 cups
1st cup: the cup of blessing which begins the Passover
2nd cup: not recorded in scripture
3rd cup: the cup of the “new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” (Mt.26:29) at the Last Supper
4th cup: the sponge full of sour wine given to Jesus by the Roman soldiers
St. Augustine on the Marriage-Bed of the Cross: “Like a bridegroom Christ went forth from His nuptial chamber…He came even to the marriage-bed of the cross, and there, ascending it. He consummated a marriage.” (Sermone Suppositus 120:3)
Perspectives on marriage:
“A marriage without children is a world without sun.” St. Augustine
“The love of husband and wife is the force that welds society together.” St. John Chrysostom
“When husband and wife are untied in marriage, they no longer seem something earthly, but rather like the image of God Himself.” St. John Chrysostom
“The state of marriage is one that requires more virtue and constancy than any other; it is a perpetual exercise in mortification.” St. Francis de Sales
“Tell her that you lover her more than your own life, because this present life is nothing, and that your only hope is that the two of you pass through this life in such a way that in the world to come you will be united in perfect love.” St. John Chrysostom
Etymology:
Teleo: to perform, to complete finish,
Telos: end, purpose, goal
Implere: to fill up, to fulfill
Consummare: to accomplish, to finish, to sum up
Solvere: to loosen to pay
Perficere: to finish, to complete to perfect
Conclusion:
Telescope, consume, consummation (what is finished), solve, solution (what is loosened), perfect, perfection, accomplishment, accomplish, loose, loosen, achieve, achievement, accomplish, acquit (to set free)
St. Augustine’s words about Jesus on the cross speaks to His covenantal marriage relationship to the Church. This provides the foundation for the self-giving and fruitful (procreative) qualities of traditional marriage. This makes perfect sense in that Christ is the Bridegroom who was willing to lay down His life for His bride (the Church). It is this reason why God designed our bodies in order to be fruitful. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1603 states “God Himself is the author of marriage.”
Jesus, the Bridegroom consummates (completes) His marriage to His bride (the Church) on the cross.