From a human perspective, Paul might recall his past belief as a Pharisee that the Messiah would free the Jews from political oppression.
Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer: Christ rose from the dead, began the new creation (5:17), and became the redeemer from sin and Lord of the universe (Romans 1:3–4; Philippians 2:6–11; Colossians 1:15–20).