St. Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul, was a Christian apostle who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the 1st century. His understanding of hope is deeply rooted in his Christian faith that was his personal encounter with our Lord Jesus on his way to Damascus. His understanding of Hope is highly reflected in his letters to the early Christian communities.

Ø Hope as a Theological Virtue
St. Paul considers hope to be one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and charity (1 Corinthians 13:13). He sees hope as a gift from God that enables believers to trust in His promises and to look forward to eternal life.

Ø Hope and Faith
For St. Paul, hope is closely tied to faith. He writes, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). In other words, faith provides the foundation for hope, and hope is the expectation of receiving what has been promised.

Ø Hope and Suffering
St. Paul also emphasizes the importance of hope in the face of suffering. He writes, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). For St. Paul, hope is not an escape from suffering, but a way of transforming it into something meaningful.

Ø Hope and the Resurrection
St. Paul’s understanding of hope is deeply rooted in his belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He writes, “If we have been united with him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His” (Romans 6:5). For St. Paul, hope is not just a vague expectation of a better future, but a confident expectation of eternal life with God.

Ø Hope as a Source of Strength
St. Paul sees hope as a source of strength and courage for believers. He writes, “I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my coming to you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me” (Philippians 1:25-26).

Ø Hope and the Second Coming
St. Paul’s understanding of hope is also closely tied to his belief in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He writes, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Ø Hope and the Holy Spirit
St. Paul also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in nurturing hope in the lives of believers. He writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).

Ø Hope and Perseverance
St. Paul’s understanding of hope emphasizes the importance of perseverance and endurance. He writes, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

The life of St Paul is highly remarkable. It was his personal encounter that led him to live and die for Christ. As we continue the jubilee pilgrim let us all encounter Jesus through the intercession of St Paul.

Fr. Josely Rocha