{We have hoped} ((886c)pikotes esmen). Periphrastic perfect
active indicative. Hope limited to this life even if "in Christ."
{Only} (monon) qualifies the whole clause. {Most pitiable}
(eleeinoteroi). Comparative form, not superlative, of old
adjective eleeinos, to be pitied, pitiable. If our hope is
limited to this life, we have denied ourselves what people call
pleasures and have no happiness beyond. The Epicureans have the
argument on us. Paul makes morality turn on the hope of
immortality. Is he not right? Witness the breaking of moral ties
today when people take a merely animal view of life.