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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 4:21 mean?

Explanation

Romans 4:21 speaks of the faith of Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people.

The verse is a testament to Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises.

It reflects the conviction that Abraham had, being "fully persuaded" that God had both the intention and the power to fulfill what He had promised.

This is not just a statement about Abraham's faith but also about God's faithfulness and ability.

It implies that true faith is not merely wishful thinking but a deep-seated confidence in God that is based on His character and past faithfulness.

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Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57 to the church in Rome, long before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

Its audience consisted of both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

Paul uses the example of Abraham, a significant figure in Judaism, to argue that righteousness comes by faith and not by works of the law.

This verse is part of a larger theological discussion in which Paul explains that the promise God gave to Abraham would extend to all nations and was received through faith, not just to those who followed the Mosaic Law.

This was quite a radical idea at that time as it redefined the understanding of who could be considered part of God's chosen people.

Theological Insights

There are several theological insights to be drawn from Romans 4:21:

Justification by Faith: The verse underpins the Protestant doctrine of Sola Fide, which states that faith alone justifies sinners before God.
God's Sovereignty: It reaffirms the concept that God is omnipotent and sovereign, able to accomplish what He promises.
Faith and Doubt: The text provides a contrast between doubt and faith, suggesting that faith involves being "fully persuaded," leaving no room for doubt regarding God's promises.
Christocentric Interpretation: Many Christian theologians view this verse as pointing towards Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
Jewish Perspective: In Judaism, Abraham's faith is seminal and is seen as a model for the kind of trust one should place in God.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages individuals to have confidence in God's promises, suggesting practical applications:

Hope and Patience: To maintain hope and patience, trusting that God will fulfill His word in His timing.
Living a Life of Faith: To strive for a life characterized by faith akin to Abraham’s, rooted in a deep conviction of God’s faithfulness.
Fear and Anxiety: To use faith as a tool to combat fear and anxiety, trusting in the reliability of God's word.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:19: "Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure."
James 2:23: "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."

Language Study

"Fully Persuaded" (Greek: plērophoreō): This implies being thoroughly convinced without any doubt.
"Promised" (Greek: epangellomai): To announce that one is about to do or furnish something.
"Able" (Greek: dunatos): Possessing the ability, power, or means to do something.
"Perform" (Greek: poieō): To carry out, accomplish, or bring to fruition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparisons with other ancient cultural and religious beliefs:

The faith of Abraham as seen in this verse contrasts with the notion of fate or the will of the gods in Greco-Roman culture, where human belief has little influence.
In some Eastern traditions, faith is often more personal and less tied to a promise or covenant made by a deity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings generally do not address issues of faith directly.

However, this verse brings to question the relationship between beliefs and the perception of reality. Psychological studies have shown the impact of belief and persuasion on human behavior and well-being, resonating with the ideas presented in the verse.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry: He notes that Abraham's faith "did not stagger," showcasing strong confidence and belief in God's word against all odds.
John Calvin: Addresses that true faith is steadfast and confident in the power and promise of God.
William Barclay: Highlights the human aspect and struggles with faith, observing that Abraham's faith was not just intellectual assent but a life-defining commitment.

Romans 4

Romans 4

What does Romans 4:21 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 4:21 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?