Dr. Parsenios highlights more than differences about what the eschaton meant to the Churches at Corinth and Thessalonika. He, also, explores how differences in meaning affected decisions that Christians made on a daily basis. While contrasts abound in texts, Dr. Parsenios encourages us to reflect on similar content that had been revealed to them and us concerning the eschaton. His reference to a prayer by St. Theophan the Recluse is part of this revelation. I wondered how first-century Thessalonians and Corinthians might have perceived Theophan's words (Prayer 65 from The Spiritual Psalter entitled "On What is our Hope of Vindication at the Judgment Founded?"): ...But thy life-creating body is intimately united with mine. I am clothed in the garment of the Holy Spirit." No doubt, they would have recognized genuine hope about the eschaton in St. Theophan's prayer.

Thank you! This is real hope.