But let us see whether we can find in holy Scripture any indications properly applicable to these heavenly existences. The following is the statement of the Apostle Paul: The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. To what vanity, pray, was the creature made subject, or what creature is referred to, or how is it said not willingly, or in hope of what? And in what way is the creature itself to be delivered from the bondage of corruption? Elsewhere, also, the same apostle says: For the expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. And again in another passage, And not only we, but the creation itself groans together, and is in pain until now. (Book I, Chapter 7, Part 5)

In the original Greek Paul is discussing κτίσις (ktisis)or creation, as well as creature. In orthodox Christian understanding this is the act or outcome of creating out of nothing. But in the Timeaeus Plato's demiurge creates replicas of universal forms.

According to Paul the very act of creation is the source of μάταιος (mataio): vanity, futility, purposeless, frail, and perverse. But in understanding -- and living -- our purpose there is hope and fulfillment. On this Paul and Plato would agree.