This chapter offers an analysis of the arguments for and the theological implications of a subjective interpretation of Paul’s notion of “pistis Christou.” The chapter argues that on a subjective reading, the exegetical basis for the tradition Protestant understanding of human faith as the instrumental cause of salvation collapses. At the same time, such a reading does not in and by itself imply an alternative understanding of how one gets to participate in salvation. Moreover, most proposals for a subjective reading stay vague on the presumed content and reference of “pistis Christou.”

This chapter places the notion of “pistis Christou” in the context of three major contemporary exegetical proposals regarding the shape of the Pauline narrative: “pistis Christou” as the faithfulness of the resurrected and ascended Christ (David J. Downs and Benjamin Lappenga), Christ’s coming as the end of exile and the return of Israel’s God to the people (N. T. Wright), and the idea of Christ as the embodiment of Isaiah’s suffering servant (Richard Bauckham). The chapter argues that these combined proposals offer a lens through which to interpret “pistis Christou” as the human expression of the Lord’s faithfulness to his people.