Romans 4

Romans Chapter 4 Commentary

Overview

Romans chapter 4 is a chapter where the Apostle Paul proves the core doctrine of 'righteousness by faith,' applicable to both Jews and Gentiles, using the examples of Abraham and David. He emphasizes that righteousness before God is obtained not by the works of the law, but solely by faith, demonstrating that this principle also applied in the Old Testament era. This chapter clarifies that the basis of salvation lies not in human actions, but in God's grace and human faith.

Structure of the Text

Verses 1-8: Abraham's righteousness is by faith, not by works.

It is pointed out that if Abraham had been justified by works, he would have something to boast about, but not before God.

Scripture testifies that Abraham believed God, and this faith was credited to him as righteousness.

It is explained that wages are not considered grace but are due to one who works; however, to one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

David also sings of the blessedness of the one whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sins are covered.

Verses 9-12: Abraham's righteousness is by faith before circumcision.

It is asked whether Abraham's righteousness was after he was circumcised or before.

It is revealed that circumcision is merely a sign of faith, not the basis for justification.

Since Abraham was justified by faith before he was circumcised, he is the father of all who believe, not only of those who are circumcised but also of those who are uncircumcised.

Verses 13-17: The promise given to Abraham is by the law of faith, not by the law.

It is emphasized that the promise given to Abraham and his offspring was not through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

It is stated that if the promise depends on the law, it is nullified, but if it depends on faith, it is guaranteed.

The law brings wrath, but where there is no law, there is no sin, so it cannot be said that there is no sin.

The promise is based on grace, so it is guaranteed to all offspring, not only to those who are of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham.

Verses 18-25: The nature of Abraham's faith and its significance.

Abraham believed with hope in circumstances where it was impossible.

His faith was in God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not exist.

He believed God's promise, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness.

This entire account is not only for Abraham but also for us who will believe, and it will be credited to us as righteousness, who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

Key Themes

Righteousness by Faith: The principle of salvation where one is justified not by human works or observance of the law, but solely by faith in God.

Abraham's Example: A representative figure demonstrating that righteousness by faith was also present in the Old Testament era.

Certainty of the Promise: The promise of God, given not through the law but through faith, is based on grace and therefore certain for all believers.

Universal Salvation: The fact that Abraham's offspring include not only Jews but also Gentiles who follow his faith.

Verse-by-Verse Exegesis

Verses 1-8:

Verse 1: The question "What then shall we say?" is a natural response to the preceding chapters' conclusion that all have sinned and no one can be justified by the works of the law. The Reformed tradition emphasizes human inability and God's absolute sovereignty through this verse.

Verses 2-3: It is stated that if Abraham had anything to boast about "according to the flesh," it would be meaningless before God. His only boast is in his faith in God, and Scripture testifies that this faith was "credited as righteousness." The Lutheran tradition considers this the basis for 'justification by faith alone' (sola fide).

Verses 4-5: It contrasts the one who "works" for whom wages are due as a matter of obligation, with the one who "does not work" but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly; to this person, his faith is "credited as righteousness." This clearly shows that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for works.

Verses 6-8: Citing a psalm of David, it sings of the blessedness of the one whose sins are forgiven and whose iniquities are covered. This shows that not only Abraham but also figures like David were justified not by works but by forgiveness of sins and trust in God. The Anglican tradition emphasizes through this passage that 'righteousness by faith' existed even in the Old Testament.

Verses 9-12:

Verse 9: It asks whether Abraham's righteousness was after he was circumcised or before. This is to refute the notion held by Jews that circumcision is a prerequisite for salvation.

Verses 10-11: It explains that Abraham was justified by faith before he was circumcised, and circumcision was merely a sign of that faith. Therefore, Abraham is the father of both the circumcised and the uncircumcised. The Baptist tradition compares 'baptism' and 'circumcision' here, emphasizing the importance of inner faith over outward ritual.

Verse 12: The fact that Abraham is the father not only of the circumcised but also of the uncircumcised signifies that righteousness by faith is not limited to Jews but extends to Gentiles.

Verses 13-17:

Verse 13: It states that the promise given to Abraham and his offspring was not through the law but through the righteousness of faith. This implies a promise of a different order than the observance of the law.

Verse 14: It says that where the law exists, God's wrath is present. The law reveals sin but has no power to justify the sinner; rather, it becomes the basis for condemnation for the sinner.

Verse 15: Through the logic that where there is no law, there is no sin, it shows that the law serves to bring about wrath.

Verse 16: Since the promise is based on grace, it is rooted in faith, guaranteeing certainty for all who believe, not only those who are of the law but also those who share the faith of Abraham.

Verse 17: God is described as the one who calls into existence things that do not exist. This shows that Abraham believed in God's creative power and the faithfulness of His promise, even in humanly impossible situations.

Verses 18-25:

Verse 18: Abraham believed "against hope" in a situation devoid of human hope. This shows that his faith was not based on realistic grounds but was entirely founded on God's promise.

Verses 19-21: Though his body was as good as dead and Sarah's womb was barren, he did not waver in believing God's promise. He did not doubt God's power but was strengthened in faith.

Verse 22: The statement "this faith was counted to him as righteousness" re-emphasizes that Abraham's faith was recognized as righteousness before God.

Verses 23-25: It states that this entire account is not just for Abraham personally but for us who will believe in the future. It declares that it will be credited to us as righteousness, who believe in God who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. This demonstrates the power of the resurrection and the universality of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Original Language Insights

δικαιοω (dikaiō): Means "to justify" or "to declare righteous." It signifies not merely declaring someone guiltless but placing them in a right relationship with God. (Romans 4:2, 3, 5, 6, 11)

πιστευω (pisteuō): Means "to believe" or "to trust." It encompasses complete reliance and confidence, going beyond mere intellectual assent. (Romans 4:3, 5, 11, 12, 18, 20, 21, 24)

λογιζομαι (logizomai): Means "to reckon," "to count," or "to consider." It describes God's act of crediting faith as righteousness. (Romans 4:3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 22, 24)

επαγγελια (epangelia): Means "promise." It refers to the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants. (Romans 4:13, 14, 16, 20)

ἐξουσία (exousia): Means "authority" or "power." It is contrasted with the authority of the law, highlighting the efficacy of righteousness by faith. (Romans 4:13, 15)

Theological Perspectives — Comparison by Tradition

Reformed/Presbyterian/Puritan: Strongly emphasizes the doctrine of 'justification by faith alone' (sola fide). Abraham's faith is seen as trust in God's covenant of grace, and his righteousness is entirely attributed to God's sovereign grace. Faith itself is understood not as the ground of righteousness but as the 'instrument' through which righteousness is received.

Wesleyan/Methodist: Emphasizes Abraham's faith as 'human response to God's grace,' believing that his faith restored his relationship with God and led to justification. They place importance on the progressive growth of faith, connecting it to the process of sanctification.

Lutheran: Holds 'justification by faith alone' as a core doctrine, interpreting Abraham's faith as complete self-surrender to God as a sinner. They stress that 'justification' is a forensic declaration, independent of human works.

Baptist: Emphasizes righteousness by faith, viewing Abraham's faith as a foreshadowing of faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is received by faith alone, and outward rituals (like circumcision) are seen as the result or sign of that faith.

Anglican: Presents Abraham's faith as a model for 'fathers of faith,' emphasizing that his righteousness stemmed from faith, not works. They seek a balanced biblical interpretation of the relationship between law and grace.

Greek Exegesis/Academic Commentary: Delves deeply into the original language, analyzing the nuances of words like 'δικαιόω' (to justify), 'πιστεύω' (to believe), and 'λογίζομαι' (to reckon), and focuses on clarifying Paul's argumentative structure within the context.

Pietist/German Evangelical: Presents Abraham's life as a model of godly living, emphasizing that his faith went beyond mere belief to practical application in his life. They value an intimate relationship with God and transformation in life.

Cross-References

Genesis 15:6: "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3, 22)

Psalm 32:1-2: "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit." (Romans 4:6-8)

Romans 3:20, 28: "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin... For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." (Connects to the argument in Romans 4)

Galatians 3: The argument concerning Abraham's faith and promise is treated similarly to Romans 4.

Sermon/Application Points

Where is Our Boast?

If our boast lies in worldly success, status, abilities, or religious deeds, it is meaningless before God.

True boasting should be solely in faith in Jesus Christ and the fact that God has declared us righteous.

What Does it Mean to Believe in God?

It means trusting God's promises, even in seemingly impossible situations, just as Abraham did.

It means relying not on our own abilities or circumstances, but solely on God who declares us righteous.

Faith Brings About Transformation in Life.

Abraham's faith transformed his life, and likewise, through faith, we live a new life.

Faith leads to freedom from sin, assurance of God's promises, and gratitude and obedience towards God.

Salvation is a Gift of Grace.

Since we cannot earn salvation through our works, God has opened the way to salvation through faith.

This salvation is not due to our efforts or merit but is a gift given entirely by God's grace and love. We must respond to this grace with faith.