Today’s text is a benediction. Unlike a doxology, which is an utterance of praise to God, a benediction is directed toward the people of God rather than to God. It is a short invocation for divine help and blessing. Traditionally the passage is quoted at the end of a Christian “service” before the people depart.

Hope! That is something everyone needs. Paul’s benediction to the Roman saints expresses his desire that they would not only have “joy and peace in believing” but that they may “abound in hope.” Sometimes, hope can be in short supply. People in the world are without hope (Eph. 2:12), or if they have a hope it is a false one that will fail in the end. Our God is called here “the God of hope,” a very special way of describing Him.

Paul had revealed to the Romans earlier in his epistle that as Christians we “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2).

People sometimes ask, “What’s the difference between faith and hope? Aren’t they the same thing?” Though they are similar, they are also different. An illustration may be helpful. A man had to walk to get to an appointment, but he was late. His friend told him about a shortcut through a train tunnel and the time of the train’s arrival so it was safe. Because his friend was very trustworthy and had never lied to him, the man set out through the tunnel based on his friend’s word. That is faith. The train tunnel was dark, and the man began to be apprehensive about the situation. Eventually he saw a ray of sunlight indicating the end of the tunnel. This immediately cheered him up. This is hope! He knew for certain he would make his appointment in time. Paul’s benediction was a prayer that they would “abound” in hope. What a prayer! What a benediction!