Hope, the Center of the Apostolic Faith

Introduction

Hope is one of the fundamental pillars of the Christian faith, especially in the Scriptures of the New Testament. Although the Greek term ἔλπίς (hope) is used predominantly in the writings of Paul, its essence permeates all of apostolic theology, even beyond the technical vocabulary. This article explores how hope stands at the center of the apostolic faith, its multiple dimensions as defined by Paul, and its originality in the Christian eschatological context.

1. Hope as the Center of the Apostolic Faith

The theme of hope occupies a central position in the apostolic faith, as the Scriptures of the New Testament attest. In Paul’s writings, hope is not merely a future expectation but a solid and sure confidence in the fulfillment of God’s promises. The term ἔλπίς does not appear in the Gospels, but the essence of hope is present in other contexts, reflecting a faith that transcends any specific vocabulary.

2. The Threefold Dimension of Pauline Hope

In Paul’s writings, the concept of hope encompasses three main elements:

• Expectation (ἀποκαραδοκία, apokaradokia): refers to the anticipation of future good, as in Philippians 1:20.
• Faith (πίστις, pistis), Confidence (πεποίθησις, pepoithesis), and Assurance (παρρησία, parrhesia): represent unwavering trust in God, exemplified in Romans 4:18 and 2 Corinthians 3:12.
• Patience (ὑπομονή, hypomonē), Longanimity (μακροθυμία, makrothymia): involve perseverance in the face of difficulties, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:7 and Romans 15:4.

These aspects of hope also appear, singly or in combination, in other parts of the New Testament, including the Gospels (Luke 12:36; 21:19; 1 John 3:19-22).

3. Hope in the Context of Eschatology

The New Testament is structured around the eschatological tension of the “already and not yet,” especially in the context of the resurrection. This tension dominates the entire New Testament corpus:

• Paul: uses antitheses such as resurrection versus parousia (the second coming of Christ) and baptism versus the resurrection of the dead.
• Synoptic Gospels: contrast the Kingdom of God already present with the Kingdom that is still to come.
• Catholic Epistles: present the parousia as yet to be fulfilled, emphasizing hope as a confident and patient expectation of the future.

These perspectives, which appear from 1 Thessalonians to 2 Peter, always include hope as a confident and patient expectation of the future, reflecting belief in the consummation of God’s promises.

4. The Originality of Christian Hope

Despite its similarities with the hope found in ancient pagan thought, in Judaism, and even in apocalyptic literature, the New Testament goes much further. Christian hope, shaped by the resurrection of Christ and by the anticipation of the parousia, introduces a unique eschatological dimension that surpasses the limitations of the ancient worldview. This transcendent character of Christian hope completely redefines the relationship with the future, rooting it in trust in the fulfillment of God’s promises and in the certainty of final victory over death.

Recommended reading: Spe Salvi (Benedict XVI), an encyclical on Christian hope.

Deepen your studies: explore Mariology, Marian Theology, Marian apparitions, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology.

Conclusion

Hope in the Scriptures of the New Testament is central to the apostolic faith, integrating expectation, faith, and patience into a solid trust in God’s promises. The originality of Christian hope, especially its eschatological dimension, distinguishes it from earlier visions, providing a solid foundation for Christian faith and practice. This hope sustains perseverance in the face of adversity and guides the Christian community’s vision of the future, rooted in the resurrection of Christ and in the expectation of His second coming.

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To explore the theology of Marian hope more deeply, consult the Encyclical Redemptoris Mater of Pope John Paul II.