In both Greek mythology and the New Testament, the word "pistis" (πίστις) translates to "faith".
In Greek mythology, Pistis was a goddess or spirit representing trust, loyalty, dependability, honesty, and good faith. She represented virtues of truth and fidelity, emphasizing the importance of trust in personal and societal bonds. In classical Greek, the term pistis encompassed a range of meanings, including confidence, assurance, persuasiveness, trustworthiness, and even "credit" in commercial contexts.
Merchants who were concerned about which persons would be trust worthy for their transactions, so to trust in and rely upon someone was to have pistis in them.
Pistis is also closely linked to persuasion and was often employed as a rhetorical device. In philosophical discussions, pistis was used to refer to a belief or conviction based on evidence or reasoning rather than mere opinion. This concept of "faith" as rational trust and confidence has roots in classical Greek philosophy and can be seen in the works of Plato, Aristotle, and other thinkers.
In the New Testament, the term embodies trust, belief, and faithfulness, particularly in the context of religious devotion—emphasizing faith in God and Jesus Christ. It is used to describe an active trust in God and Jesus Christ, often associated with salvation or redemption. The Apostle Paul frequently uses pistis in his letters to convey the idea of faith as a fundamental aspect of Christian belief and practice.
It can be argued that the Christian concept of faith (pistis) draws inspiration from the Greek rhetorical idea of pistis, suggesting a process of thoughtful consideration leading to trust in God and Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11: 1 might support this:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
This verse highlights the idea that faith is not just a blind belief, but rather an assurance and conviction in something that is not yet seen or fully understood. This type of faith requires trust and confidence in God's promises, even when we cannot see the outcome.
In addition, faith seems to also involve obedience to God's will and His commands. James 2: 17 says, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." This might show that true faith is accompanied by actions and a willingness to follow God's Royal Command.
James 2: 8
If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
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