Overview
Romans 4:1–25 presents a detailed theological argument by the Apostle Paul centered on the theme of justification by faith, using the figure of Abraham as the prime example. Paul begins by questioning what Abraham, the forefather of the Jewish people, discovered regarding righteousness. He asserts that if Abraham had been justified by works, he would have something to boast about—but not before God. Instead, Paul quotes Scripture: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6), emphasizing that it was Abraham’s faith, not his actions, that made him righteous before God. Paul then expands the argument by contrasting works and grace: wages earned are not a gift but a debt, whereas righteousness is credited to the one who believes in God who justifies the ungodly.
Paul further strengthens his case by referring to King David, who also spoke of the blessedness of the person whose sins are forgiven apart from works. Paul notes that this blessing is not limited to the circumcised (Jews) but extends to the uncircumcised (Gentiles) as well. He points out that Abraham was credited with righteousness before he was circumcised, making him the spiritual father of all who believe, regardless of circumcision. Circumcision, then, is a sign and seal of the righteousness Abraham already had by faith.
Paul continues by explaining that the promise Abraham received—that he would be heir of the world—did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If inheritance were based on the law, faith would be void and the promise meaningless. The law brings wrath, but where there is no law, there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise depends on faith so that it might rest on grace and be guaranteed to all of Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who have the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham.
Paul concludes by emphasizing Abraham’s unwavering faith. Though Abraham and Sarah were physically incapable of having children, Abraham did not waver in unbelief regarding God’s promise. Instead, he grew strong in faith, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. This faith was credited to him as righteousness. Paul then connects Abraham’s experience to believers in Christ, affirming that the same righteousness will be credited to those who believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification, completing the foundation of the Christian doctrine of salvation by faith.
In-Depth
In Romans chapter 4, the Apostle Paul undertakes a profound theological explanation of the doctrine of justification by faith, using Abraham—the revered patriarch of Israel—as a case study to illustrate that righteousness before God has always come through faith, not works or adherence to the law. This chapter builds directly on the theme introduced in Romans 3:28, where Paul declares, “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
Paul opens chapter 4 by rhetorically asking what Abraham discovered in regard to this principle. If Abraham had been justified (declared righteous) based on his works, Paul argues, he would have reason to boast—but crucially, “not before God.” This is an important distinction because it undermines any basis for human pride in salvation. Paul then quotes Genesis 15:6, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” which becomes the cornerstone of his argument. The word “credited” (Greek logizomai) is an accounting term, signifying something counted or imputed to one’s account. Here, it illustrates that Abraham’s righteousness was not earned but graciously attributed to him on the basis of faith.
Paul contrasts this with the general principle of employment: if a person works, the wages are due as an obligation, not as a gift. Thus, if righteousness came by works, it would be a matter of obligation, not grace. However, Paul insists that righteousness is given to the one who “does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly,” reinforcing that divine justification is a gracious act towards the undeserving—not a reward for good behavior.
To strengthen his point, Paul invokes King David from Psalm 32:1–2, who also describes the “blessedness” of those whose sins are forgiven, emphasizing that this blessing comes apart from works. David declares, “Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” Paul uses this to show that the principle of forgiveness and imputed righteousness predates the Mosaic Law and operates independently of human effort.
Next, Paul addresses the issue of circumcision, a central religious and cultural sign of the covenant for Jews. He asks: Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? Paul answers by pointing out that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness before he was circumcised. This is a crucial theological pivot: Abraham becomes the father not only of the circumcised who walk in the same faith but also of the uncircumcised who believe. Circumcision, then, was a “sign” and “seal” of the righteousness that Abraham already possessed by faith—not the means by which he obtained it.
Paul proceeds to argue that the promise God gave Abraham—that he would be heir of the world—was not based on the law, but on the righteousness that comes through faith. The law, Paul asserts, brings wrath because it exposes sin and provokes judgment; where there is no law, there is no transgression in the technical legal sense. Thus, if the promise were tied to law-keeping, it would be nullified. Instead, Paul insists that the promise rests on grace, ensuring it is secure for all Abraham’s offspring—both those under the law (Jews) and those who share Abraham’s faith (Gentiles).
In verses 17–21, Paul reflects on the quality of Abraham’s faith. He highlights that Abraham believed in the God who “gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” This is a reference both to the miraculous birth of Isaac—since Abraham and Sarah were “as good as dead” in terms of childbearing—and a foreshadowing of resurrection power. Despite the hopelessness of his and Sarah’s situation, Abraham “did not waver through unbelief,” but grew strong in faith, fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. This absolute trust, even against visible reality, is what Paul elevates as the model of saving faith.
Finally, Paul transitions from Abraham’s story to its relevance for believers in Christ. The words “it was credited to him” were not written for Abraham alone, Paul explains, but for all who believe in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. The chapter closes with a powerful summary of the gospel: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” This shows that Jesus’ death paid the penalty for sin, and His resurrection confirms the believer’s right standing before God.
Discovery Questions
Romans 4:1–25 is a rich passage that explores the foundational Christian truth of justification by faith, using Abraham’s life as a powerful example of how God’s promises are received—not by works, but by trust in His word. The Apostle Paul meticulously builds his case that righteousness comes through faith and not through religious observance or personal merit. These discovery questions are designed to help readers understand the content of the passage (observation), wrestle with its meaning (interpretation), and apply its truths to their lives today (application). Whether you’re studying alone or in a group, take your time to reflect on each question and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding.
Observation Questions – (These questions focus on what the text says. Answering them requires paying close attention to details.)
- Who is the main Old Testament figure Paul discusses in this chapter?
- According to verse 3, what was “credited to Abraham as righteousness”?
- What contrast does Paul make between working for wages and receiving righteousness by faith (vv. 4–5)?
- What Old Testament psalm does Paul quote, and what does it say about forgiveness (vv. 6–8)?
- How does Paul use Abraham’s circumcision to make a point about faith and righteousness (vv. 9–12)?
- What does Paul say the promise to Abraham was based on—law or faith (v. 13)?
- What problem does Paul identify with trying to obtain the promise through the law (vv. 14–15)?
- What qualities of Abraham’s faith are highlighted in verses 18–21?
- How does Paul connect Abraham’s faith to the resurrection of Jesus in verses 23–25?
- What does verse 25 say about the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Interpretation Questions – (These questions help you explore what the text means and why it matters.)
- Why is it important that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised?
- How does Paul’s argument in this chapter challenge the idea that good works or religious rituals can earn salvation?
- Why do you think Paul chooses Abraham, a revered figure among Jews, as his primary example of faith?
- How does the concept of faith in Romans 4 differ from a vague belief in God?
- What does Paul mean when he says that Abraham believed in the God who “gives life to the dead” and “calls into being things that were not” (v. 17)?
- How does the idea that righteousness is “credited” to someone shape your understanding of justification?
- In what way is Abraham the “father of many nations,” and how does this relate to both Jews and Gentiles?
- Why is it significant that Paul ties justification directly to the resurrection of Jesus in the final verses?
- What implications does this chapter have for how we view the Old Testament law in relation to salvation?
- How does this passage connect with the overall argument Paul is making in the book of Romans?
Reflection and Application Questions – (These are personal and practical, inviting you to apply the truths of the passage to your life.)
- Do you sometimes find yourself relying on your performance or religious activity to feel right with God? How does this passage speak to that?
- How would you describe your own faith in light of Abraham’s example? Is it confident, growing, wavering, or something else?
- What are some “impossible” situations in your life where God is calling you to trust His promises?
- In what ways do you struggle with doubt, and how can Abraham’s unwavering trust in God’s promise encourage you?
- How does the assurance that righteousness is a gift through faith shape your view of grace?
- How can understanding justification by faith help you share the gospel with others more clearly?
- What are ways you can intentionally grow in your trust in God this week?
- How might this chapter help someone who feels unworthy of salvation or forgiveness?
- Is there a promise of God you need to cling to today as Abraham did?
- What difference does Jesus’ resurrection make in how you live your daily life?
Cross-References
Key Old Testament Cross-References (used by Paul in Romans 4)
- Genesis 15:6 – “Abraham believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
- Romans 4:3, 4:9, 4:22 directly quote this verse. It is the foundational text for Paul’s argument about justification by faith.
- Genesis 17:10–11 – The covenant of circumcision.
- Romans 4:10–11 refers to this to show that Abraham was declared righteous before circumcision, emphasizing that faith, not ritual, justifies.
- Psalm 32:1–2 – “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven…”
- Romans 4:6–8 quotes this passage, showing that David also spoke of forgiveness and righteousness apart from works.
- Genesis 17:4–5 – “I have made you a father of many nations.”
- Romans 4:17 quotes this to support the universal scope of the promise through faith.
- Genesis 18:10–14 and Genesis 21:1–2 – God’s promise to give Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age.
- Referenced indirectly in Romans 4:19–21, emphasizing Abraham’s faith in God’s power over physical limitations.
New Testament Cross-References and Parallels
Justification by Faith (Key Pauline Theme)
- Galatians 3:6–9 – “So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’”
- Mirrors Paul’s argument in Romans 4, stressing that Gentiles who have faith are children of Abraham.
- Galatians 3:14–18 – Discusses the promise to Abraham and contrasts it with the Law.
- James 2:21–24 – “Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did…?”
- This passage appears to contradict Romans 4 at first glance but focuses on how true faith manifests in works, not on the means of justification.
- Philippians 3:9 – “…not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ…”
- Reinforces the righteousness by faith concept.
Resurrection and Justification
- Romans 3:21–28 – Precedes Romans 4 and lays the groundwork for justification by faith apart from the law.
- 1 Corinthians 15:17 – “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
- Connects with Romans 4:25, which ties Jesus’ resurrection to our justification.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us…”
- Parallels the substitutionary aspect of Christ’s death highlighted in Romans 4:25.
Thematic Cross-References
Faith and Righteousness
- Hebrews 11:8–12, 17–19 – Abraham’s faith journey is described in detail, reinforcing the message of Romans 4.
- John 8:39 – Jesus tells the Jews, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did,” pointing to a faith-based relationship with God, not mere lineage.
Circumcision and the Law
- Acts 15:1–11 – The Jerusalem Council debates whether Gentile believers must be circumcised, echoing the same concerns addressed in Romans 4.
- Colossians 2:11–14 – Talks about circumcision of the heart and being buried with Christ in baptism, aligning with the spiritual meaning behind circumcision in Romans 4.
In Summary
In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul uses the example of Abraham to powerfully illustrate the principle that justification—being declared righteous before God—comes through faith, not works or religious rituals. Paul begins by recalling how Abraham was credited with righteousness because of his belief in God’s promise (Genesis 15:6), not because of his deeds. He then contrasts earning wages (which are owed) with receiving righteousness as a gift through faith. Paul reinforces this truth by referencing King David, who spoke of the blessedness of those whose sins are forgiven apart from works (Psalm 32:1–2).
Paul further explains that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised, showing that his justification was based on faith alone. This makes Abraham the spiritual father of all who believe—both Jews and Gentiles. The promise to Abraham that he would inherit the world did not come through the law, but through the righteousness of faith, so that it could be guaranteed by grace.
Even when faced with the impossibility of having children due to his and Sarah’s old age, Abraham’s faith did not waver. He was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He promised. That unwavering trust was credited to him as righteousness. Paul concludes by applying this truth to all believers: just as Abraham was justified by faith, we too are justified by believing in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification.
