Abstract
The phrase διu τuς πίστεως αuτοu, contained in Eph. 3.12, is the first extant witness to πίστις Χριστοu terminology in the post-Pauline period. It has often been argued that the absence of the definite article from the seven authentic Pauline texts used in the debate is significant in showing that an objective genitive was intended in those cases. However, this paper suggests that the presence of the article in Eph. 3.12 supports the notion that the author of Ephesians understood Pauline terminology in a subjective sense and made this explicit by supplying the definite article. Moreover, a subjective reading is shown to cohere with the theological insight that the author presents, namely that believers enjoy salvation, along with its cosmological implications, as a consequence of Christ’s obedience in going to the cross, his own act of faithfulness. This reading raises the important possibility that the author of Ephesians has in fact understood the apostolic πίστοu references correctly, and as in Ephesians the authentic Pauline phrases should be understood as subjective genitives.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Similar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.