The Faith of Christ or Our Faith in Christ: Understanding Paul’s Theology
A longstanding debate among Pauline scholars has centered on the phrase “pistis Christou,” which appears eight times in Paul’s letters. At issue is whether this phrase should be translated as “faith in Christ” or “the faithfulness of Christ.” The distinction may seem subtle, but its implications are profound.
Understanding the Ambiguity
In Greek, the phrase “pistis Christou” can be interpreted in two ways: as an objective genitive (“faith in Christ”) or a subjective genitive (“the faithfulness of Christ”). To illustrate this ambiguity, consider the English phrase “love of God,” which can mean either our love for God or God’s love for us.
Historical Interpretations
Traditionally, most interpreters have understood Paul to refer to our faith in Christ. This view is reflected in many modern translations and commentaries. However, some scholars have argued that the phrase should be translated as “the faithfulness of Christ,” emphasizing Christ’s own faithfulness rather than our faith in him.
The Impact of Richard Hays’ Dissertation
About 40 years ago, Richard Hays wrote a dissertation that challenged the traditional interpretation. Hays argued that Paul’s emphasis was on the story of Christ and his work on the cross, rather than our individual faith decision. According to Hays, even the word “pistis” (usually translated as “faith”) often refers to Christ’s faithfulness rather than our faith.
Reevaluating Paul’s Theology
Hays’ work sparked a reevaluation of Paul’s theology, with many scholars concluding that we are justified by Christ’s faithfulness rather than our own faith. While this view is compelling, it may overstate the Pauline and Protestant understanding of grace.
Faith and Justification
Paul’s letters emphasize that we are justified by faith, but he never contrasts our faith with the work of Christ. Instead, Paul says that we are both “justified by [our] faith” (Rom. 5:1) and “justified by his blood” (Rom. 5:9). This suggests that our faith in Christ and his faithfulness are intertwined components of our salvation.
Translating Pistis Christou
Given the importance of pistis Christou in Paul’s statements about justification, it is crucial to carefully determine the meaning of this phrase. While both our faith and Christ’s faithfulness are essential to our salvation, the context of Paul’s letters suggests that pistis Christou refers to our faith in Christ as the means by which we are saved.
Conclusion
The debate over pistis Christou highlights the complexity and richness of Paul’s theology. Ultimately, our faith in Christ and his faithfulness are inseparable aspects of our salvation. By recognizing the nuances of Paul’s language, we can deepen our understanding of the gospel and its call to faith in Christ.
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