Paul's expectation and hope are central themes in his epistles, reflecting his deep faith and unwavering confidence in the promises of God. These themes are particularly evident in his letters to the Philippians and the Romans, where he articulates his anticipation of future glory and his steadfast hope in Christ.

Philippians 1:20-21
In Philippians 1:20-21, Paul writes, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness, so that now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Here, Paul expresses his expectation that he will continue to boldly proclaim Christ, regardless of his circumstances. His hope is not rooted in earthly outcomes but in the exaltation of Christ through his life and potential martyrdom. This passage highlights Paul's conviction that his life is entirely devoted to Christ, and his ultimate hope is in the eternal gain that comes through death in Christ.

Romans 8:18-25
In Romans 8:18-25, Paul elaborates on the theme of hope in the context of suffering and future glory. He states, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Paul acknowledges the reality of suffering but places it in perspective with the incomparable glory that awaits believers. He continues, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25). This passage underscores the nature of Christian hope as something not yet realized but eagerly anticipated. It is a confident expectation of the fulfillment of God's promises, sustained by faith and patience.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Paul's expectation and hope are further illustrated in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, where he writes, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" . Paul contrasts the temporary nature of earthly afflictions with the eternal weight of glory that awaits believers. His hope is firmly anchored in the eternal, unseen realities promised by God, which provide strength and encouragement amidst temporal challenges.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul addresses the hope of the resurrection, offering comfort to believers concerning those who have died in Christ. He assures them, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This passage reflects Paul's expectation of Christ's return and the resurrection of the dead, providing a foundation of hope for believers facing grief and loss. The promise of eternal life with Christ is a central element of Paul's hope, offering assurance and encouragement to the early Christian community.

Paul's expectation and hope are deeply rooted in his faith in Christ and the promises of God. His writings reveal a profound confidence in the future glory that awaits believers, a hope that transcends present sufferings and is anchored in the eternal realities of God's kingdom. Through his epistles, Paul encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, fixing their eyes on the unseen and eternal promises of God.