Hope

Passages

Every passage tagged with this emotion in the Vela corpus. Search the body text, narrow by source or register, click through to a book’s profile to see how the passage sits with the rest of the work.

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• From Lady Chatterley's Lover (1928)

  Then one afternoon came Leslie Winter, Squire Winter, as everybody called him: lean, immaculate, and seventy: and every inch a gentleman, as Mrs. Bolton said to Mrs. Betts. Every millimetre indeed! And with his old-fashioned, rather haw-haw! manner of speaking, he seemed more out-of-date than bag wigs. Time, in her flight, drops these fine old feathers. They discussed the collieries. Clifford's idea was, that his coal, even the poor sort, could be made into hard concentrated fuel that would burn at great heat if fed with certain damp, acidulated air at a fairly strong pressure. It had long been observed that in a particularly strong, wet wind the pit-bank burned very vivid, gave off hardly any fumes, and left a fine powder of ash, instead of the slow pink gravel. "But where will you find the proper engines for burning your fuel?" asked Winter. "I'll make them myself. And I'll use my fuel myself. And I'll sell electric power. I'm certain I could do it." "If you can do it, then splendid, splendid, my dear boy. Haw! Splendid! If I can be of any help, I shall be delighted. I'm afraid I am a little out of date, and my collieries are like me. But who knows, when I'm gone, there may be men like you. Splendid! It will employ all the men again, and you won't have to sell your coal, or fail to sell it. A splendid idea, and I hope it will be a success. If I had sons of my own, no doubt they would have up-to-date ideas for Shipley: no doubt! By the way, dear boy, is there any foundation to the rumour that we may entertain hopes of an heir to Wragby?" "Is there a rumour?" asked Clifford. "Well, my dear boy, Marshall from Fillingwood asked _me_, that's all I can say about a rumour. Of course I wouldn't repeat it for the world, if there were no foundation." "Well, Sir," said Clifford uneasily, but with strange bright eyes. "There is a hope. There is a hope." Winter came across the room and wrung Clifford's hand. "My dear boy, my dear lad, can you believe what it means to me, to hear that! And to hear you are working in the hopes of a son: and that you may again employ every man at Tevershall. Ah my boy! to keep up the level of the race, and to have work waiting for any man who cares to work!--" The old man was really moved. Next day Connie was arranging tall yellow tulips in a glass vase. "Connie," said Clifford, "did you know there was a rumour that you are going to supply Wragby with a son and heir?" Connie felt dim with terror, yet she stood quite still, touching the flowers. "No!" she said. "Is it a joke? Or malice?" He paused before he answered: "Neither, I hope. I hope it may be a prophecy." Connie went on with her flowers.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  19 This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], [Lev 16:2 ] 20 where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of e Melchizedek. [Ps 110:4 ] Hebrews 7 Melchizedek’s Priesthood Like Christ’s 1 F OR THIS Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he returned from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of all [the spoil]. He is, first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace. 3 Without [a any record of] father or mother, nor ancestral line, without [any record of] beginning of days (birth) nor ending of life (death), but having been made like the Son of God, he remains a priest without interruption and without successor. 4 Now pause and consider how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 It is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to collect tithes from the people—which means, from their kinsmen—though these have descended from Abraham. 6 But this person [Melchizedek] who is not from their Levitical ancestry received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who possessed the promises [of God]. 7 Yet it is beyond all dispute that the lesser person is always blessed by the greater one. 8 Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; but in that case [concerning Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he b lives on [perpetually]. 9 A person might even say that Levi [the father of the priestly tribe] himself, who received tithes, paid tithes through Abraham [the father of all Israel and of all who believe], 10 for Levi was still in the loins (unborn) of his forefather [Abraham] when Melchizedek met him (Abraham). 11 Now if perfection [a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper] had been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people were given the Law) what further need was there for another and different kind of priest to arise, one in the manner of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed to the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is of necessity a change of the law [concerning the priesthood] as well.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as c Gerar; and so many Ethiopians fell that none of them were found alive; for they were destroyed before the LORD and His army. And they carried away a very large amount of spoil. 14 They attacked and destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them. They plundered all the cities, for there was a large amount of spoil in them. 15 They also struck down the people [living] in tents who had livestock, and took captive large numbers of sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 15 The Prophet Azariah Warns Asa 1 N OW THE Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded, 2 and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him, as your soul’s first necessity], He will let you find Him; but if you abandon (turn away from) Him, He will abandon (turn away from) you. 3 “Now for a long time Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest, and without [God’s] law. 4 “But when they were in their trouble and distress they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and [in desperation earnestly] sought Him, and He let them find Him. 5 “In those times there was no peace for him who went out or for him who came in, for great suffering came on all the inhabitants of the lands. 6 “Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every kind of distress. 7 “But as for you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” Asa’s Reforms 8 And when Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah the son of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the repulsive idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. Then he restored the altar [of burnt offering] of the LORD which was in front of the porch [of the temple] of the LORD . 9 He gathered all Judah and Benjamin and the strangers who were with them out of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon, for they came over to Asa from Israel in large numbers when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. 10 So they assembled at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. 11 They sacrificed to the LORD on that day from the spoil they had brought—700 oxen and 7,000 sheep.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants who were born in his house and all who were purchased with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s household, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin the very same day, as God had said to him. 24 So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised. 26 On the very same day Abraham was circumcised, as well as Ishmael his son. 27 All the men [servants] of his household, both those born in the house and those purchased with money from a foreigner, were circumcised along with him [as the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham]. Genesis 18 Birth of Isaac Promised 1 N ow the LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth trees of Mamre [in Hebron], while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 When he raised his eyes and looked up, behold, three men were standing [a little distance] from him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down [with his face] to the ground, 3 and Abraham said, “My a lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass by your servant [without stopping to visit]. 4 “Please let a little water be brought [by one of my servants] and [you may] wash your feet, and recline and rest comfortably under the tree. 5 And I will bring a piece of bread to refresh and sustain b you; after that you may go on, since you have come to your servant.” And they replied, “Do as you have said.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, get ready three c measures of fine meal, knead it and bake cakes.” 7 Abraham also ran to the herd and brought a calf, tender and choice, and he gave it to the servant [to butcher], and he hurried to prepare it. 8 Then he took d curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before the men; and he stood beside them under the tree while they ate. 9 Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10 He said, “I will surely return to you at this e time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. [Rom 9:9–12 ] 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in years; she was past [the age of] childbearing.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  9 For if the ministry that brings condemnation [the old covenant, the Law] has glory, how much more does glory overflow in the ministry that brings righteousness [the new covenant which declares believers free of guilt and sets them apart for God’s special purpose]! 10 Indeed, what had glory [the Law], in this case no longer has glory because of the glory that surpasses it [the gospel]. 11 For if that [Law] which fades away came with glory, how much more must that [gospel] which remains and is permanent abide in glory and splendor! 12 Since we have such a [glorious] hope and confident expectation, we speak with great courage, 13 and we are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the Israelites would not gaze at the end of the glory which was fading away. 14 But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ. 15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil [of blindness] lies over their heart; 16 but whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. [Is 61:1 , 2 ] 18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 4 Paul’s Apostolic Ministry 1 T HEREFORE, SINCE we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation. 2 But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; 4 among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  19 “But if anyone goes out the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head [that is, his own responsibility], and we shall be blameless and free [from our oath]; however, if a hand is laid on anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head. 20 “But if you tell [anyone] this business of ours, we shall be blameless and free from the oath which you made us swear.” 21 She said, “According to your words, so be it.” Then Rahab sent them off, and they departed; and she tied the scarlet cord in the window. 22 They left and went [on their way] to the hill country [west of Jericho], and stayed there [hidden in the caves] three days until the pursuers returned. The pursuers had searched all along the road but had not found them. 23 Then the two men turned back and came down from the hill country and crossed over [the Jordan] and came to Joshua the son of Nun [at Shittim], and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, “Certainly the LORD has given all the land into our hands; for all the inhabitants of the land have melted [in despair] because of us.” Joshua 3 Israel Crosses the Jordan 1 J OSHUA GOT up early in the morning; then he and all the children of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they spent the night there before they crossed [the river]. 2 And it happened at the end of three days that the officers went throughout the camp, 3 and they commanded the people, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from where you are and follow it. 4 “However, there shall be a distance between you and it of about 2,000 cubits (3,000 ft.) by measurement. Do not come near it, a so that you may [be able to see the ark and] know the way you are to go, for you have not passed this way before.” 5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves [for His purpose], for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders (miracles) among you.” 6 Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over [the river] ahead of the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went on ahead of the people. 7 The LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to magnify and exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that just as I was with Moses, I will [also] be with you.

• From The Incendiaries (2018)

  She named an intersection close to the seaport, a couple of blocks north. I could walk you there, I offered. She stopped crying, and stared. I don’t think so, she said. But I, those drunks are watching you, and— Who the hell are you? I provided my name again, but she recoiled, flinging off the arm with which I held her up. She thrust both palms out, a warning, as she backed down the street, toward the hotel. I stayed where I was. In the days to come, I couldn’t forget that storefront glass, the mirrored girl. This girl wasn’t Phoebe, I realized that, but I kept seeing a procession of girls falling down, long hair radiating into black haloes. In half- zipped shift dresses, they hold out a hand. I lift the girls up, unhurt: I watch them go. – In the fall, back at Edwards, I was at a Phi Epsilon social when I heard from a friend of Julian’s that Phoebe was home, in Los Angeles. She’d taken the term off from school. Unspecified personal reasons, the friend said. I excused myself, and I went to the bathroom. I sat on a tub, breathing. I hadn’t realized I was waiting to be given news. It sounded as though she’d quit Jejah. Maybe Phoebe’s father had learned the truth about his gulag charlatan. He’d swept in to help. I left the social without talking to anyone else; I didn’t want to dilute the joy I felt. Then, in October, I was invited by Nikhil Mehta, a Phi Epsilon, to watch the airball game from his suite. I’d been secluded in a library carrel, finishing midterm papers; but the sun, like mild alcohol, had me longing to be with people, life. Blue flags rippled, the wind thin, rustling. In minutes, students would fill the lawn, fighting to help hit an inflated, six-foot ball toward the goal. I imagined the Edwards ghosts drawn to this sport, an old college tradition; they’d have sniffed the blood. I walked to Nikhil’s place while they pushed close, thirsting to live again. Wraiths plucked my sleeve. It couldn’t be helped. But is all this just in hindsight, or did burned slips of carbon drift past at the time, ash singeing my nostrils? I can’t stop thinking about what, if anything, I suspected. If there are parts I could have forestalled. I climbed five flights up Wyeth Hall. Soon, I was sitting in a windowsill, drink in hand. Nikhil sat next to me. —in disguises? a girl asked him. She straddled the sill to his left, swinging a leg: she’d leaned toward him to be heard across the party’s noise. We’re still talking about this? he said. It’s all I can think about. But that’s the problem. They said more.

• From The Incendiaries (2018)

  Frost burned his feet. Winter softened into spring, and mossed obelisks pointed on high. In the estival heat, he set his back against the cold stone of a tomb. He plucked a honeysuckle stalk sprouting from what had once been men; he sipped its bit of juice. In time, lying in the dirt, he, too, might nourish future pilgrims. If he had one petition for himself, it was this: that he be made useful. But he was learning to be patient. His plan stood intelligible to him, lucid as a vision. If asked, before the gulag, how a revelation might look, a heraldic blaze of light would have come to mind, the flap and gust of gale-force wind. His own dazzled, indisputable rip in the fabric of the usual. Instead, he had this: a plan. His chance. He lifted his face. Through linden branches, blue lozenges flashed like prizes he could reach up to have. His personal ambitions, though, no longer signified. He was thinking of mankind. In the months to come, when Phoebe asked about his first revelation, he’d explain it had arrived with a shock of recognition—yes, he’d thought. This was it. He’d been waiting. In fact, he said, to Phoebe, I felt like this when I first heard of you. 9. PHOEBE I collided into a truck, she’d have said. I’m trying to imagine it: Phoebe, sitting with the group again, legs pulled in. Posture like a ball, a full-bodied fist. The others in a circle, staring while she exposes her life. The truck driver broke his leg, Phoebe said. I wasn’t hurt. My mother absorbed all the impact. She bled to death before she could be taken to the hospital. I was still in high school, underage, so I had to go live in my father’s house. I hadn’t spent much time with him, growing up. My mother’s plan, once she left Seoul, was to raise me alone. But then, he followed us to the States, pleading to live with us again. She didn’t let him, at first. When she did relent, it was because she thought I’d benefit from having both parents around. Often, they fought; he turned violent, at times. I sat at the top of the stairs, one night, while they shouted. He punched her, and she fell. She didn’t get up, so I ran down. I thought she’d died. She wasn’t moving. I wanted to call for help, but he took a glass of water from the dinner table. He splashed it on her face until she woke up. Still, she kept trying. I was five before she asked me if I’d be all right if she left him again. If we left, she said. You and I. I said yes, let’s go. I picked sides at once. He stayed civil, though, when I had to move in with him. Polite, like a distant relative. He didn’t even ask if I wanted to come to his church.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  14 The backslider in heart will have his fill with his own [rotten] ways, But a good man will be satisfied with his ways [the godly thought and action which his heart pursues and in which he delights]. 15 The naive or inexperienced person [is easily misled and] believes every word he hears, But the prudent man [is discreet and astute and] considers well where he is going. 16 A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, But the fool is arrogant and careless. 17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly and without self-control, And a man of wicked schemes is hated. 18 The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil will bow down before the good, And the wicked [will bow down] at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins [against God and his fellow man], But happy [blessed and favored by God] is he who is gracious and merciful to the poor. 22 Do they not go astray who devise evil and wander from the way of righteousness? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good. 23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their wealth [of wisdom], But the foolishness of [closed-minded] fools is [nothing but] folly. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, But he who speaks lies is treacherous. 26 In the [reverent] fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will [always] have a place of refuge. 27 The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, So that one may avoid the snares of death. [John 4:10 , 14 ] 28 In a multitude of people is a king’s glory, But in a lack of people is a [pretentious] prince’s ruin. 29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see]. [Prov 16:32 ; James 1:19 ] 30 A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body, But passion and envy are like rottenness to the bones. 31 He who oppresses the poor taunts and insults his Maker, But he who is kind and merciful and gracious to the needy honors Him. [Prov 17:5 ; Matt 25:40 , 45 ] 32 The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing, But the righteous has hope and confidence and a refuge [with God] even in death. 33 Wisdom rests [silently] in the heart of one who has understanding, But what is in the heart of [shortsighted] fools is made known.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  8 “Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth; Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity], The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. [Ex 14:19 , 20 ; Is 52:12 ] 9 “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away from your midst the yoke [of oppression], The finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and [every form of] wicked (sinful, unjust) speech, [Ex 3:14 ] 10 And if you offer yourself to [assist] the hungry And satisfy the a need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. 11 “And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. 12 “And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up and restore the age-old foundations [of buildings that have been laid waste]; You will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets b with Dwellings. Keeping the Sabbath 13 “If you turn back your foot from [c unnecessary travel on] the Sabbath, From doing your own pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a [spiritual] delight, and the holy day of the LORD honorable, And honor it, not going your own way Or d engaging in your own pleasure Or speaking your own [idle] words, 14 Then you will take pleasure in the LORD , And I will make you ride on the high places of the earth, And I will feed you with the [promised] heritage of Jacob your father; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” [Gen 27:28 , 29 ; 28:13–15 ] Isaiah 59 Separation from God 1 B ehold, the LORD ’s hand is not so short That it cannot save, Nor His ear so a impaired That it cannot hear. 2 But your wickedness has separated you from your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood And your fingers with wickedness [with sin, with injustice, with wrongdoing]; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue mutters wickedness. 4 No one sues righteously [but for the sake of doing injury to others—to take some undue advantage], and no one pleads [his case] in truth; [but rather] They trust in empty arguments and speak lies; They conceive trouble and bring forth injustice. 5 They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the spider’s webs; He who eats of their eggs dies, And from an egg which is crushed a viper breaks out.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  A New and Living Way 19 Therefore, c believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus, 20 by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great and wonderful Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, 22 let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; 24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, 25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching. Christ or Judgment 26 For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate], 27 but a kind of awful and terrifying expectation of [divine] judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE and BURNING WRATH WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES [those who put themselves in opposition to God]. [Is 26:11 ] 28 Anyone who has ignored and set aside the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. [Deut 17:2–6 ] 29 How much greater punishment do you think he will deserve who has rejected and trampled under foot the Son of God, and has considered unclean and common the blood of the covenant that d sanctified him, and has insulted the Spirit of grace [who imparts the unmerited favor and blessing of God]? [Ex 24:8 ] 30 For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I WILL REPAY [the wrongdoer].” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE .” [Deut 32:35 , 36 ] 31 It is a fearful and terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God [incurring His judgment and wrath]. 32 But remember the earlier days, when, after being [spiritually] enlightened, you [patiently] endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 sometimes by being made a spectacle, publicly exposed to insults and distress, and sometimes by becoming companions with those who were so treated.

• From The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 4: Reformation of Church and Dogma (1300-1700) (1984)

  The coming of Christ was "already" and "not yet": he had come already in the incarnation, and on the basis of the incarnation would come in the Eucharist; he had come already in the Eucharist, and would come at the last in the new cup that he would drink with them in his Father's kingdom. When the ancient liturgy prayed, "Let grace come [or "Let the Lord come"], and let the world pass away," its eschatological perspective took in both the final coming of Christ and his coming in the Eucharist. The eucharistic liturgy was not a compensation for the postponement of the parousia, The Apocalyptic Vision and Its Transformation 127 but a way of celebrating the presence of one who had promised to return. The creeds performed some of the same function. While it is true that the addition and the revision of the phrases in the creeds are an index to the evolution of the church's teaching, it is also true that from the very begin ning the creeds were a conservative force as well, instruct ing the candidates and reminding the worshipers of what the church had been believing, teaching, and confessing, which included some doctrinal themes that did not figure as prominently in Christian piety and instruction at one time as they had in another. Even when the consummation of history had failed to materialize as it had been ex pected, the creed continued to speak of the coming of Christ in both the past and the future tense; even when Platonic theologians were teaching the immortality of the soul as a biblical doctrine, the creed went on confessing the resurrection of the body. It served to counterbalance any oversimplified resolution of the already/not yet in either direction. Partly because of the conservative influence of the creeds, eschatological language and apocalyptic imagery continued to occupy a prominent place in Christian speech even when the imminent return of Christ was not as vividly expected as it once had been. The writings of Tertullian documented the ebbing of that expectation in some remarkable ways. It is no less remarkable, however, that when he used the word "hope," it was almost with out exception related to the great hope of the end of the world, not to lesser hopes this side of the parousia; the same was true of his use of "judgment." The continuing preoccupation with the figure of the Antichrist also in- Tert.Marc.5.16.4 {CCSL dicates the persistence of certain apocalyptic themes. Not 1:711); Tert.ifor.27.6 (CCSL .. . , r r 1 .

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  5 Now He who has made us and prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the [Holy] Spirit as a pledge [a guarantee, a down payment on the fulfillment of His promise]. 6 So then, being always filled with good courage and confident hope, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]— 8 we are [as I was saying] of good courage and confident hope, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him. 10 For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the a judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or b bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]. 11 Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment]. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an occasion to be [rightfully] proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in [outward] appearances [the virtues they pretend to have] rather than what is [actually] in heart. 13 If we are out of our mind [just unstable fanatics as some critics say], it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit. 14 For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that all those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for their sake. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a human point of view [according to worldly standards and values]. Though we have known Christ from a human point of view, now we no longer know Him in this way . 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  10 “Many will be purged, purified (made white) and refined, but the wicked will behave wickedly. None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are [spiritually] wise will understand. [Dan 11:33–35 ] 11 “From the time that the regular sacrifice [that is, the daily burnt offering] is taken away and the abomination of desolation is set up [ruining the temple for worship of the true God], there will be b 1,290 days. [Dan 11:31 ] 12 “How blessed [happy, fortunate, spiritually prosperous] and beloved is he who waits expectantly [enduring without wavering for the period of tribulation] and comes to the c 1,335 days! 13 “But as for you (Daniel), go your way until the end [of your d life]; for you will rest and rise again for your allotted inheritance at the end of the age.” [Heb 11:32–40 ] Daniel 1 a 1:1 Pharaoh Neco had killed Josiah king of Judah and installed Eliakim (Josiah’s son) as a vassal ruler. Neco changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim and he ruled for eleven years (2 Chr 36:4 , 5 ). b 1:1 Nebuchadnezzar II of the Chaldean Dynasty, more commonly known as Nebuchadnezzar the Great, ruled Babylon from 605–562 B .C . He conquered Jerusalem in 597 B .C . c 1:2 I.e. southern Babylonia. d 1:3 Or eunuchs, and so throughout. e 1:4 The Chaldeans dominated and ruled Babylonia from 625 B .C . until their empire fell in 539 B .C ., but they were known as early as 1000 B .C . as an aggressive, tribal people in the southern region of Babylonia. They were highly skilled in both the science of astronomy and the pseudo-science of astrology. They kept meticulous records of celestial motion and correctly calculated the length of a year to within just a few minutes. Babylon, their capital city, was the center of trade and learning in the western part of Asia. The classical literature of the Chaldeans was written in cuneiform, but the common language, both written and spoken in Babylon, was Akkadian increasingly influenced by Aramaic. f 1:8 The first portions of the food and wine would have been presented to idols before being served at the table. g 1:15 Lit fat of flesh . h 1:21 Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, ruled from 559–529 B .C . He conquered the Median (549 B .C .), the Lydian (546 B .C .), and the Neo-Babylonian (539 B .C .) kingdoms and formed the greatest empire the world had ever known. He returned a remnant of the Jewish population from Babylon to Jerusalem along with an edict to rebuild the temple. Daniel 2 a 2:2 I.e. Babylonian sages who were master astrologers, and so below. b 2:4 In addition to their native language, most people involved in government or trade could speak and write in Aramaic. At this point in the book Daniel switches from writing in Hebrew to writing in Aramaic.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  9 ‘The latter c glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and in this place I shall give [the ultimate] peace and prosperity,’ declares the LORD of hosts.” 10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month (Dec 18, 520 B .C .), in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Haggai the prophet, saying, 11 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Ask the priests for a ruling: 12 ‘If a man carries meat that is holy [because it has been offered in sacrifice to God] in the fold of his garment, and he touches bread, or cooked food, or wine, or oil, or any [kind of] food with this fold, does what he touches become holy [dedicated exclusively to God’s service]?’ ” And the priests answered, “No!” [d Holiness is not transferrable.] 13 Then Haggai said, “If one who is [ceremonially] unclean because of [contact with] a corpse touches any of these [articles of food], will it be unclean?” And the priests answered, “It will be unclean.” [Ceremonial uncleanness, like sin, is infectious.] 14 Then Haggai answered, “ ‘So is this people. And so is this nation before Me,’ declares the LORD , ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there [on the altar] is unclean [because they who offer it are unclean]. 15 ‘But now, do consider [what will happen] from this day forward: before one stone was placed on another in the temple of the LORD , 16 from that time when one came to a grain heap expecting twenty measures, there would be only ten; and when one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty measures, there would be only twenty. 17 ‘I struck you and the work of your hands with scorching wind, mildew, and hail; yet you did not come back to Me,’ declares the LORD . 18 ‘Do consider from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month; from the day when the temple of the LORD was founded, consider: 19 Is the seed still in the barn? As to the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree—they have not produced. Yet from this day on I will bless you [in the harvest of your crops].’ ” 20 And again the word of the LORD came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month (Dec 18, 520 B .C .), saying, 21 “Speak to e Zerubbabel governor of Judah, saying, ‘I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. [Hag 2:6 ; Matt 1:12 , 13 ] 22 ‘I will [in the distant future] overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the [ungodly] nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them, and the horses and their riders will go down, every one by the sword of his brother [annihilating one another].

• From Understanding the Old Testament (2019)

  leCtUre 17 | Jeremiah, PerseCUted ProPhet 109 Jeremiah had already said in 17:1 that the people had sin written on their hearts, so this promise is that God will erase it and give them the ability to follow the law by his own action. The outcome of this is that they will know God, as many of the prophets said was essential for practicing justice. The reason they will know God, according to verse 34, is because he will forgive their sins. The next chapter says that the hope is also material. During a lull in fighting, God commands Jeremiah to buy land in Anatoth, his ancestral home behind enemy lines. There’s no way to get there. It’s overrun by the Babylonians. But God tells Jeremiah to make the purchase, because “Houses, fields and vineyards shall again be purchased in this land.” There will be a return from this exile. God is signaling that although the Jews may go into exile now, facing seemingly overwhelming obstacles to going home, one day they will be able to return. In effect, God pledges that he intends to rebuild—and replant. Questions to Consider YDoes it matter if the confessions of Jeremiah are a literary invention rather than the words or thoughts of Jeremiah? YIs it legitimate to accuse Jeremiah of treason and sedition? Suggested Reading Brueggemann, To Pluck Up, to Tear Down. ———, To Build, to Plant. DANIEL AND APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE LECTURE 18 The book of Daniel was assembled very late in the compilation of the Old Testament. It introduces a different genre—apocalyptic literature— that isn’t prevalent elsewhere in the Old Testament. Apocalyptic literature derives from prophetic literature. It involves revelation initiated by God, delivered through a mediator such as an angel to a holy person. In general, it has to do with the end of time. Dating the Book Much of it is written in Aramaic, not Hebrew. There are also many loaned words from Persian and even Greek in the book. The Jews were not exposed to the Persian language until around the year 500 BCE and not to Greek until around the year 300 BCE. Additionally, much of the book seems directly related to the persecution of Jews in the 2nd century BCE. 18 leCtUre 18 | daniel and aPoCalyPtiC l iteratUre 111 Some of the book is older than that, perhaps going back to the 6th century BCE. Much of the book originated as late as 150 BCE. The book of Daniel is a collection of prophetic oracles and stories, some of them familiar, like Daniel in the lion’s den. The oldest parts of Daniel are chapters 4 and 5. Elements of Apocalyptic Literature The latest chapters of Daniel have to be 8 through 12. These seem directly tied to the persecution of the Jewish people in the 2nd century BCE by the Syrian Greek ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes. daniel in the lions den

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  17 Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! [John 14:3 ; 1 Cor 15:52 ; 2 Cor 5:8 ; Phil 1:23 ; Col 3:4 ] 18 Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died]. 1 Thessalonians 5 The Day of the Lord 1 N OW AS to the a times and dates, b brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night. 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord]. 4 But you, c believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing. Christian Conduct 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, 13 and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  [Is 33:2 ] 24 “The LORD is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul; “Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.” [Num 18:20 ] 25 The LORD is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word]. 26 It is good that one waits quietly For the salvation of the LORD . 27 It is good for a man that he should bear The yoke [of godly discipline] in his youth. 28 Let him sit alone [in hope] and keep quiet, Because God has laid it on him [for his benefit]. [Rom 8:28 ] 29 Let him put his mouth in the dust [in recognition of his unworthiness]; There may yet be hope. [Mic 7:17 ] 30 Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him; Let him be filled with reproach. 31 For the Lord will not reject forever, [Ps 94:14 ] 32 For if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion According to His abundant lovingkindness and tender mercy. 33 For He does not afflict willingly and from His heart Or grieve the children of men. [Ezek 18:23 , 32 ; Hos 11:8 ; Heb 12:5–10 ; 2 Pet 3:9 ] 34 To trample and crush under His feet All the prisoners of the land, 35 To deprive a man of justice In the presence of the Most High, 36 To defraud a man in his lawsuit— The Lord does not approve of these things. 37 Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has authorized and commanded it? 38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both adversity (misfortune) and good (prosperity, happiness) proceed? 39 Why should any living mortal, or any man, Complain [of punishment] in view of his sins? 40 Let us test and examine our ways, And let us return to the LORD . 41 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands [in prayer] Toward God in heaven; 42 We have transgressed and rebelled, You have not pardoned. 43 You have covered Yourself with anger And pursued us; You have slain [without pity] and have not spared. 44 You have covered Yourself with a cloud So that no prayer can pass through. 45 You have made us scum and refuse Among the peoples (Gentile nations). 46 All our enemies have gaped at us. 47 Panic and pitfall (traps, danger) have come on us, Devastation and destruction. 48 My eyes overflow with streams of tears Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people (Jerusalem). 49 My eyes overflow unceasingly, Without stopping, 50 Until the LORD looks down And sees from heaven. 51 My eyes [see things that] bring pain to my soul Because of all the daughters of my city. 52 Without cause my enemies Hunted me down like a bird; 53 They silenced me in the pit And placed a stone over me.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  1 Timothy 4 Apostasy 1 B ut the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth. 4 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer. A Good Minister’s Discipline 6 If you point out these instructions to the a brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine which you have closely followed. 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. 9 This is a faithful and trustworthy saying worthy of full acceptance and approval. 10 It is for this that we labor and strive [often called to account], because we have fixed our [confident] hope on the living God, who is the b Savior of all people, especially of those who believe [in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord]. 11 Keep commanding and teaching these things. 12 Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to public reading [of Scripture], to preaching and to teaching [the sound doctrine of God’s word]. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when the c elders laid their hands on you [at your ordination]. 15 Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

• From Amplified Holy Bible (2015)

  A New Heaven and Earth 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the [material] elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be b burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness [displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God], 12 [while you earnestly] look for and await the coming of the day of God. For on this day the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the [material] elements will melt with intense heat! [Is 34:4 ] 13 But in accordance with His promise we expectantly await new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. [Is 65:17 ; 66:22 ] 14 So, beloved, since you are looking forward to these things, be diligent and make every effort to be found by Him [at His return] spotless and blameless, in peace [that is, inwardly calm with a sense of spiritual well-being and confidence, having lived a life of obedience to Him]. 15 And consider the patience of our Lord [His delay in judging and avenging wrongs] as salvation [that is, allowing time for more to be saved]; just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him [by God], 16 speaking about these things as he does in all of his letters. In which there are some things that are difficult to understand, which the untaught and unstable [who have fallen into error] twist and misinterpret, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of c unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith], 18 but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 1 a 1:1 Two early manuscripts read Simeon, the direct transliteration of the Hebrew. The only other place this spelling appears in the NT is in Acts 15:14 . b 1:1 From a Greek word meaning to obtain by lot, emphasizing the fact that salvation is not something gained because of personal effort, but is received as an undeserved gift because of God’s grace. c 1:1 I.e. equal in rank, honor and privilege. d 1:3 There is no “secret knowledge” or “better way” or alternative belief system which God has revealed to some unique group or teacher. The truth is available to everyone. e 1:5 Lit supply .