{To the end that we should be} (eis to einai h(886d)(8373)). Final
clause with eis to and the infinitive einai (see the mere
infinitive einai in verse  4 ) and the accusative of general
reference. {Who had before hoped in Christ} (	ous pro(886c)pikotas
en t(9369) Christ(9369)). Articular perfect active participle of
proelpiz(935c), late and rare compound (here only in N.T.) and the
reference of pro not clear. Probably the reference is to those
who like Paul had once been Jews and had now found the Messiah in
Jesus, some of whom like Simeon and Anna had even looked for the
spiritual Messiah before his coming.