TEOLOGI PENGHARAPAN DALAM SURAT PAULUS DAN RELEVANSINYA BAGI MASYARAKAT YANG MENDERITA
Keywords:
Pauline Theology, Eschatology, Hope, Suffering, Social SolidarityAbstract
This article examines the theology of hope in Paul's letters and its relevance for a society experiencing suffering. Paul's hope is understood as the foundation of eschatological faith, affirming the congregation that present suffering is not comparable to the glory to come (Romans 8:18). From Paul's perspective, suffering is a participation in Christ's work, which in turn gives rise to perseverance, patience, and steadfast faith. This theology of hope is not only personal but also communal, as Paul emphasizes that true hope must foster social solidarity and love in the life of the congregation (Galatians 6:9). Thus, Paul's eschatology is not escapist, but rather has a transformative function, providing new meaning, strength, and direction in life amidst the reality of suffering. For modern societies struggling with suffering due to injustice, poverty, and disaster, Paul's eschatology is relevant as a source of comfort, resilience, and motivation to strive for a more dignified life. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature review through a hermeneutical analysis of Paul's letters and contemporary theological literature. The study's findings indicate that Paul's hope contributes significantly to building a resilient faith and social solidarity in a suffering society.
References
Arifianto, Y. A. (2019). Teologi Paulus tentang Pengharapan: Suatu Kajian Biblika. Jurnal Teologi Aletheia, 21(1), 45–62.
Barus, R. (2016). Iman dan Pengharapan dalam Surat Roma: Refleksi Eskatologis. Jakarta: BPK Gunung Mulia.
Latuheru, J. (2018). Eskatologi Paulus: Antara “Sudah” dan “Belum”. Jurnal Abdiel: Khazanah Pemikiran Teologi, Pendidikan Agama Kristen, dan Musik Gereja, 2(1), 25–40.
Mariance, M. (2020). Penderitaan dalam Perspektif Paulus: Sebuah Kajian Teologis. Jurnal Teruna Bhakti, 2(1), 47–60.
Manurung, S. (2018). Solidaritas Sosial dalam Jemaat Perjanjian Baru. Jurnal Teologi dan Pelayanan, 18(2), 155–170.
Nainggolan, P. (2019). Kristologi dan Eskatologi Paulus: Relevansi bagi Gereja Masa Kini. Bandung: Kalam Hidup.
Naibaho, J. (2017). Teologi Harapan Paulus dan Kontribusinya bagi Gereja di Indonesia. Jurnal Koinonia, 9(2), 113–128.
Rusmanto, H., & Saptono, A. (2021). Metodologi Penelitian Teologi. Salatiga: Satya Wacana University Press.
Siahaan, T. (2015). Penderitaan dan Kemuliaan dalam Teologi Paulus. Jurnal Teologi, 4(2), 89–104.
Simanjuntak, A. (2020). Eskatologi Paulus dan Kehidupan Jemaat Awal. Yogyakarta: Kanisius.
Sutanto, A. (2014). Harapan Eskatologis dalam Teologi Paulus. Jakarta: BPK Gunung Mulia.
