Although a few writings stress the perfection and consistent operation of the natural world, the majority describe creation as corrupted due to sin. Even many writings that emphasize the normally consistent operation of the natural world indicate that at least parts of creation are corrupted or that creation is corrupted at specific times in history. In Jewish apocalyptic writings creation may be corrupted due to the sins of the fallen Watchers, human sins, or both. Among those works that focus on human sins, the corruption may be either due to the Fall, ongoing human sins, or eschatological human sins. The majority of Jewish apocalyptic writings look forward to an eschatological redemption of creation.
Many works describe a temporary, earthly golden age with a perfected natural world.
Paul, however, does not describe the exact eschatological changes that the natural world will undergo, in contrast to the vivid descriptions found in many Jewish apocalyptic writings.