The Faithfulness of Jesus
Richard Hays and the Heart of New Testament Theology
In honor of the life of Richard Hays, I will be dedicating a few posts to his work and influence.
In the world of New Testament studies, few debates have generated as much scholarly energy—and pastoral relevance—as the one over whether the Apostle Paul speaks of faith in Jesus or the faithfulness of Jesus. At stake is not merely a translation issue but a profound theological question: Is Paul primarily emphasizing our trust in Jesus, or is he highlighting Jesus’ own faithfulness as the bedrock of salvation?
The Grammar of Faith: Pistis Christou
The debate centers on a simple yet ambiguous Greek phrase: pistis Christou. In key Pauline passages, such as Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:22, and Philippians 3:9, Paul uses this phrase in contexts dealing with justification and righteousness. The controversy arises from whether pistis Christou should be understood subjectively (Jesus’ faithfulness) or objectively (faith in Jesus).
The traditional rendering, reflected in most Bible translations, understands pistis Christou as “faith in Jesus Christ.” This interpretation has long dominated Christian theology and preaching, aligning with a call for personal trust in Christ as Savior.
However, in the late 20th century, a shift began to take root, challenging this assumption. Enter Richard B. Hays.
Richard Hays and the Subjective Genitive
Richard Hays, a prominent New Testament scholar and theologian, brought new energy and depth to the debate with his groundbreaking 1983 dissertation, later published as The Faith of Jesus Christ: The Narrative Substructure of Galatians 3:1–4:11. In this work, Hays argued that pistis Christou should be read as a subjective genitive—meaning it refers to Jesus’ own faithfulness, particularly his obedient fidelity to God’s saving purposes, culminating in his death on the cross.
For Hays, this translation has significant theological implications. It shifts the focus from human belief as the primary agent of salvation to the faithfulness of Jesus as the foundation of God’s redemptive work. This understanding fits within Paul’s broader narrative framework, where Jesus’ obedience and fidelity fulfill God’s covenant promises to Israel and extend salvation to the world.
Why It Matters: Theology and Praxis
Hays’ interpretation isn’t just about grammar; it’s about how we understand the gospel. If pistis Christou refers to Jesus’ faithfulness, then salvation is first and foremost about God’s initiative, not our response. Faith, in this view, is not the human work that earns justification but the human reception of God’s accomplished work in Christ.
This perspective has profound implications for Christian life and theology. It underscores God’s grace as the central agent of salvation and invites believers to see their faith not as a heroic act of will but as a participation in the faithfulness of Jesus. For Hays, this reading also ties Paul’s theology more closely to the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, emphasizing the narrative and covenantal dimensions of the gospel.
The Ongoing Debate
Hays’ work sparked a wave of scholarship, with many agreeing that his interpretation better aligns with Paul’s theology and the narrative substructure of his letters. Others, however, have pushed back, arguing that the objective genitive (“faith in Jesus”) better fits Paul’s emphasis on the necessity of personal trust in Christ. Scholars like Douglas Moo and Thomas Schreiner, for instance, defend the traditional reading, pointing to passages where Paul seems to emphasize the necessity of faith as a human response (e.g., Romans 10:9–10).
Yet, even critics of Hays often acknowledge the richness his interpretation brings to the text. By emphasizing Jesus’ faithfulness, Hays reminds us that the gospel is not a transactional mechanism requiring human input but a divine drama in which God’s faithfulness is always the first and last word.
Conclusion: Faith and Faithfulness
In the end, the faithfulness of Jesus vs. faith in Jesus debate is not an either/or question but a both/and reality. Paul’s theology likely encompasses both dimensions: the faithfulness of Jesus as the foundation of salvation and human faith as the necessary means of participation in God’s saving work.
Hays’ contribution to this debate has not only enriched our understanding of Paul but also invited readers to see the gospel in a new light: as a story of God’s unrelenting faithfulness through Jesus Christ, calling forth faith from those who trust in him.
For pastors, students, and theologians alike, the debate reminds us that theology is never just about ideas; it’s about encountering the God who is faithful in Jesus Christ—and inviting others to do the same.