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pvj-05: Faith and Works Definitions — Paul vs Jesus

Study Question

What do "faith" (pistis G4102) and "works" (erga G2041) mean in Paul compared to Jesus? Paul's "works of the law" (erga nomou -- Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16) -- does this mean all moral obedience, only ceremonial observance, or legalistic merit-seeking? Jesus's "do the will of my Father" (Matthew 7:21) -- is this the same category as Paul's "works"? Examine Romans 3:27-28, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-10 alongside Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 6:46-49. If Paul and Jesus define these terms differently, the alleged contradiction may be a false comparison.

Depends on: pvj-04 (Greek terms baseline)

Scoping Results

Top topics discovered: - SALVATION (0.66), FAITH (0.62), PLAN OF SALVATION (0.55), FIGHT OF FAITH (0.55), RIGHTEOUSNESS (0.52) - OBEDIENCE (0.65), ACTIONS AT LAW (0.63), MORAL LAW (0.59), LAW (0.55) - JUSTIFICATION: GEN 15:6; ROM 3:21-28; 4:3-25; GAL 2:14-21; 3:6-24; JAS 2:20-26 - COMMANDMENTS (0.56), TEN COMMANDMENTS (0.48)

Strong's Concordance

Key lexical entries: - G4102 pistis (faith/persuasion/credence) - 244 NT uses - G4100 pisteuo (to believe/have faith) - 248 NT uses - G2041 ergon (work/deed/toil) - 176 NT uses - G3551 nomos (law) - 197 NT uses - G1344 dikaioo (to justify/declare righteous)

Prior Studies

Most relevant: - cmd-15-faith-grace-and-obedience (0.683) - law-16-paul-and-law-in-romans (0.571) - pvj-04-greek-terms-baseline (0.479)

Key Verse Groups

  1. Paul on "works of the law" (erga nomou): Rom 3:20, 3:28, 9:32, Gal 2:16, 3:2, 3:5, 3:10
  2. Paul on faith: Rom 3:27-28, 3:31, 4:1-8, Gal 2:16, Eph 2:8-10
  3. Jesus on doing: Mat 7:21-23, 7:24-27, 25:31-46, Luk 6:46-49
  4. Jesus on faith: Mat 8:10, 9:22, 9:29, 17:20, Mrk 11:22-24, Luk 7:50, 17:5-6, 18:8
  5. John 6:28-29 (work of God = believe)
  6. James on faith/works: Jas 2:14-26