Perfect

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 2min
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 11
The principal words in the New Testament thus translated are τελειόω, τέλειος, “full, complete, perfect.” The Lord Jesus was always morally perfect, yet scripture speaks of His being “made perfect,” for instance, as the captain of salvation: antitype of Joshua, leader into the purpose of God. All had been completed in view of that office (Heb. 2:1010For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10)). Though a Son, yet He learned obedience (not “to be obedient”) by the things which He suffered; and being made “perfect” (that is, glorified) after He had finished the work of redemption, He became the author of eternal salvation to all that obey Him (Heb. 5:99And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:9)): this may be the meaning of the words “the third day I shall be perfected” (Luke 13:3232And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. (Luke 13:32)).
The disciples were exhorted to be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect, for He sends His blessings on the evil and the good (Matt. 5:4848Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)). By one offering Christ hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. His work consecrates them for the priesthood (Heb. 10:1414For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14); compare Col. 1:1212Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (Colossians 1:12)). Being “perfect” is also applied to being a “full grown” man (Eph. 4:1313Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:13)). The same word is translated “of full age” in Hebrews 5:1414But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14); and simply “men” (of a ripe age) in 1 Corinthians 14:2020Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Corinthians 14:20). The spirits of just men are made perfect (Heb. 12:2323To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23)). Paul was not yet perfected (Phil. 3:1212Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12)); yet in Philippians 3:1515Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:15) he adds “as many as be perfect be thus minded.” There are various applications of the term which can be gathered from the context of each occurrence, but in general it may be said to have reference either to the purging of conscience, which is indispensable to the service of God, or to intelligence of a true standard (dead and risen with Christ) as a necessity to testimony for Christ here.