Τὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν ἀγάπη ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας καὶ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς καὶ πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου, (1 Timothy 1:5)
But the goal of the command is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith,
Exegetical Analysis
The subject τὸ δὲ τέλος (“but the goal”) places emphatic focus on τέλος, a theologically rich term denoting outcome, purpose, or intended result. It stands in contrast to speculative teachings previously mentioned in the context. The genitive phrase τῆς παραγγελίας (“of the command”) modifies τέλος and refers to the apostolic instruction Timothy is entrusted with. The present tense verb ἐστὶν (“is”) serves as the linking verb, indicating a continual, enduring purpose. What is this purpose? ἀγάπη (“love”) serves as the predicate nominative, revealing that the telos is not doctrine for its own sake but relational, Spirit-born love. Three genitive modifiers follow: ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας (“from a pure heart”), καὶ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς (“and a good conscience”), and καὶ πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου (“and sincere faith”). These specify the sources or qualities from which true Christian love arises. The repetition of καὶ creates a tripartite structure, marking each source as equally essential. The final term ἀνυποκρίτου (“without hypocrisy”) underscores authenticity, ruling out performative religiosity.
Interpreting the Sacred Patterns
Paul reframes apostolic instruction in deeply moral and spiritual terms. The word τέλος has often been misunderstood as termination, but here it means telos in the classical sense: the final cause, the aim toward which something is directed. The goal of the command is not religious control, but ἀγάπη – the kind of love that emerges from transformation. Paul intentionally contrasts this with the empty talk and speculative controversies mentioned earlier (v.4). The command παραγγελία is not legalistic but pastoral, and it matures into love when it takes root in three inner domains: purity of heart, cleanness of conscience, and sincerity of faith. Each genitive modifier signals a different dimension of spiritual formation. Καρδία concerns moral and emotional integrity, συνείδησις implies ethical awareness and alignment with God, and πίστις governs the believer’s posture of trust. Together they shape a holistic vision of discipleship that refuses hypocrisy.
Where Word Meets Worship
The richness of this verse lies in its internalization of doctrine. Paul declares that the true aim of apostolic teaching is not mere belief, but embodied love. The path to this love is not external regulation but inward renovation. Καρδία, συνείδησις, and πίστις are not abstract; they are the sanctified faculties of a life reordered around Christ. The verse is a corrective for every system that prioritizes precision over compassion, rules over redemption, knowledge over transformation. Worship that springs from a heart purified, a conscience cleared, and a faith made sincere becomes the very fulfillment of apostolic aim. Instruction without love leads to pride. Love without truth leads to error. But love that arises from these three roots is the telos of the Christian life. The verse stands not as a summary, but as a mirror, calling the reader to ask: has the command reached its goal in me?
Exegetical Feature Table
| Greek Word | Form | Lexical Meaning | Interpretive Role | Exegetical Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| τέλος | Nominative neuter singular | “goal, purpose, end” | Main subject | Indicates the intended outcome of divine command |
| παραγγελίας | Genitive feminine singular | “instruction, command” | Genitive of source or content | Refers to authoritative apostolic teaching entrusted to Timothy |
| ἀγάπη | Nominative feminine singular | “love” | Predicate nominative | Defines the telos of instruction as covenantal, ethical love |
| ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας | Prepositional phrase (genitive) | “from a pure heart” | Source or condition | Describes the internal moral state from which love proceeds |
| πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου | Genitive feminine singular with adjective | “sincere faith” | Final source descriptor | Faith that is genuine, not feigned or theatrical |
The Goal Is Love, Not Lawfulness
This verse should reshape the reader’s understanding of what Christian teaching is for. The telos of command is not control, correctness, or compliance. It is love. But not a love that floats abstractly in sentiment. It emerges from a heart that has been purified, a conscience that has been cleared, and a faith that is unmasked. This verse disarms the religious actor who performs righteousness without transformation. It also anchors love in truth, guarding against sentimental distortion. Paul’s syntax is carefully constructed, but his aim is pastoral. What God wants is not just for us to teach or learn, but to love, and to love in ways that spring from spiritual wholeness. This is the kind of love that silences false teaching, heals fractured churches, and fulfills the heart of God.
