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Romans 4

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

What does Romans 4:18 mean?

Explanation

Romans 4:18 refers to the faith of Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. Despite his old age and the barrenness of his wife, Sarah, Abraham trusted God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations.

The verse highlights the extraordinary nature of Abraham's faith, which was based not on observable evidence but on the trust in God's word that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars, as God had promised.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of the Old Testament, where God promises Abraham that he will have many descendants.

Specifically, this promise can be found in Genesis 15:5.

Romans, a New Testament epistle attributed to Apostle Paul, was likely written around 57 AD.

It addresses both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, with Paul aiming to illustrate the principles of faith that transcend Jewish law and extend to all believers, showcasing the faith of Abraham as a model.

Theological Insights

Within Christianity, this verse is often interpreted to illustrate the concept of justification by faith.

From a theological perspective, it demonstrates that righteousness in God's eyes does not come from adherence to the law, but through faith in God's promises. The story of Abraham serves as an archetype of faith that is counted as righteousness, a fundamental principle in Christian soteriology.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Romans 4:18 lies in its encouragement to believers to have faith, even when circumstances seem to be against them. Individuals are inspired to trust God’s promises for their lives, even when they do not see a clear path.

It is about holding onto hope and faith, against all odds, that God will fulfill His word.

Cross-References

Genesis 15:5 - "And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be."
Hebrews 11:11-12 - "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable."

Language Study

The verse contains a couple of key phrases in the original Greek language worth analyzing:

"Against hope" (παρ' ἐλπίδα): Literally means "beyond" or "contrary to" hope, emphasizing the humanly hopelessness of the situation.
"Believed in hope" (ἐπ' ἐλπίδι): Refers to having faith or confidence in what God promised, despite the circumstances.
"So shall thy seed be" (οὕτως ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα σου): Echoing God's promise to Abraham, the phrase emphasizes the guarantee of God's words coming to pass.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Abraham is not only found within Christianity but is also significant in other Abrahamic religions like Judaism and Islam.

In Judaism, Abraham is seen as the father of the Jewish people and a model of faith.

In Islam, Ibrahim (Abraham) is also considered a prophet and an example of reliance on God.

However, the Christian interpretation of this faith as leading to a righteousness that is apart from the law is unique to Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, Abraham and Sarah having a child in their advanced age is improbable, thereby necessitating a belief in a miraculous event.

The promise of innumerable descendants could be seen metaphorically, considering the spread of the Abrahamic religions, rather than strictly biologically.

Discussions surrounding faith and science often revolve around the intersection of belief in miracles with natural laws.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse, emphasizing Abraham's example of faith.

Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, saw this as an illustration of faith apart from works.

John Calvin, another Reformer, noted the strength of Abraham’s faith in light of his challenging circumstances.

Contemporary scholars often discuss the Apostle Paul's use of Abraham as an inclusivist figure who embodies the principle of faith for both Jews and Gentiles.

Romans 4

Romans 4

What does Romans 4:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 4:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?