SUMMARY
Romans 4:1–12 is part of Paul’s extended description, which occupies all of chapter four, of how Abraham is exemplary of the fact that both gentiles and Jews are brought into a right relationship with God by faith in God’s saving work in Christ, rather than by observing the Law.
ANALYSIS
Appealing to Abraham in Romans 4:1–12 provides additional scriptural support for the point Paul makes in Romans 3:27–31: that both Jews and gentiles are justified by faith in God’s saving action in Christ, apart from observing the Law. This affirms that there is only one God who deals with all people fairly.
In referring to Abraham as “our ancestor according to the flesh” in Romans 4:1, Paul speaks from the perspective of Jewish people who acknowledge Abraham as their patriarch and themselves as his biological descendants. It was well known that Abraham was righteousA righteous person is one who is ethical and faithful to God's covenant. Righteousness in the Old Testament is an attitude of God; in the New Testament it is a gift of God through grace. In the New Testament righteousness is a relationship with God... More with God, but Paul’s point in 4:1–8 is that this righteousness came by believing (i.e., trusting) in God and God’s promises rather than by doing works required by the Law (cf. Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:13–22). In fact, God did not even give the Law until after Abraham lived (cf. Galatians 3:6–18).
If Abraham had gained righteousness through his works, then he would have been able to boast of his accomplishment. But in Romans 4:4–8, Paul clarifies that the very nature of righteousness as a gift from God means that no one can obtain it through their own deeds. In verses 7–8, Paul draws on another Scripture, PsalmA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More 32:1–2, to strengthen this claim. Just as God reckoned Abraham to be righteous as a gift (received by faith), so too does God not reckoning sin against people graciously bless them. Although “righteousness” is not explicitly mentioned in this psalm, Paul treats God’s blessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God's favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More that the psalm speaks of as synonymous with it.
Furthermore, in Romans 4:9–10 Paul clarifies that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. As in 4:5, this emphasizes the nature of God’s righteousness as a gift that is received solely by trusting in God, “who justifies the ungodly” (Romans 4:5). And because circumcisionCircumcision is an act of cutting off part of a male (or female) sex organ for religious or health reasons. In the Bible circumcision was performed on males to indicate inclusion into the Jewish religious community. Some church calendars commemorate January 1 as the Circumcision... More is a Jewish ritual that marks inclusion into God’s people, Paul boldly asserts here that Abraham was reckoned to be righteous when he was still a gentile—that is, before being circumcised. This means that Abraham is the ancestor of, and exemplar for, all people—whether gentileA gentile is anyone who is not Jewish. The term, which is derived from words that the Bible uses to denote the "nations" of the world, reflects beliefs that God had designated Israel as a nation that would be distinct from others, and a blessing... More or Jew—who trust God’s work and promises in Christ and are thereby also declared to be righteous (Romans 4:11–12).
