A dynamic reading of Paul’s faith language, outlining its subtle nuances as belief, trust, and faithfulness.

Faith language permeates the letters of Paul. Yet, its exact meaning is not always clear. Many today, reflecting centuries of interpretation, consider belief in Jesus to be a passive act. In this important book, Nijay Gupta challenges common assumptions in the interpretation of Paul and calls for a reexamination of Paul’s faith language. Gupta argues that Paul’s faith language resonates with a Jewish understanding of covenant involving goodwill, trust, and expectation. Paul’s understanding of faith involves the transformation of one’s perception of God and the world through Christ, relational dependence on Christ, as well as active loyalty to Christ. 

Pastors and scholars alike will benefit from this close examination of Paul’s understanding and use of faith language. For Gupta, Paul’s understanding involves a divine-human relationship centered on Christ that believes, trusts, and obeys.

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Nijay K. Gupta serves as associate professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary (George Fox University, Oregon).

He has written several books including: Worship That Makes Sense to Paul (Walter de Gruyter, 2010), Prepare, Succeed, Advance: A Guidebook for Getting a PhD in Biblical Studies and Beyond (Wipf & Stock, 2011), Colossians (Smyth & Helwys, 2013), 1-2 Thessalonians (Cascade, 2016), and The Lord's Prayer (Smyth & Helwys, 2018). He has also written numerous academic articles for journals such as Journal for the Study of the New Testament and The Catholic Biblical Quarterly. Gupta is a member of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas and serves on the boards of Ex Auditu, Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters, and the monograph series Biblical Interpretation (Brill). He is co-editor of the planned second edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (InterVarsity Press).