Romans 4 1 25 Abraham as a Model of Righteousness

In Romans :1-25, Paul Presents the Figure of Abraham as a Model of Righteousness by Means of Faith

Introduction

In Romans 4:1-25, the Apostle Paul uses the figure of Abraham to illustrate the concept of righteousness that can be achieved by all through faith.[footnoteRef:1] To this end, Paul presents Abraham as an illustrative model concerning how a mere human can be considered righteous in the eyes of God not because of their works or adherence to the law but solely through faith. In order to gain a better understanding of this Pauline theology, the purpose of this paper is to provide an exegetical analysis of the passages in Romans 4:1-25 to explicate the manner in which Paul presents the figure of Abraham as a model of righteousness for all by means of faith. Following this analysis, the paper provides a summary and key finding in the conclusion. [1: Alain Gignac, “The Enunciative Device of Romans 1:18-4:25: A Succession of Discourses Attempting to Express the Multiple Dimensions of God’s Justice.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 77, no. 3 (July 1, 2015): 481–502.]

Exegesis of Romans 4:1-25

In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul discusses the concept of justification by faith, using Abraham as an example. The text begins by Paul questioning what Abraham, their forefather according to the flesh, gained through his actions. Paul emphasizes that if Abraham were justified by his works, he could boast, but not before God. Instead, Paul cites relevant Scripture, stating that Abraham's belief in God was counted as righteousness. Paul distinguishes between works, which earn wages as a due, and faith, which is counted as righteousness apart from works.[footnoteRef:2] Moreover, Paul also mentions David’s words about the forgiveness of lawless deeds and sins not being counted against them. [2: James D. G Dunn. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. London: T & T Clark, 2003, 101.]

Paul addresses whether this blessing of righteousness is exclusive to the circumcised or also applies to the uncircumcised. He asserts that faith was counted as righteousness for Abraham before he was circumcised, making him the father of all who believe, whether circumcised or not.[footnoteRef:3] Paul further explains that the promise made to Abraham and his descendants was based on the righteousness of faith, not the law.[footnoteRef:4] In this regard, Paul argues that if inheritance was based solely on the law, faith would be void, as the law brings wrath. Instead, the promise depends on faith, resting on grace and guaranteed to all who share the faith of Abraham.[footnoteRef:5] Paul concludes by highlighting Abraham's unwavering faith in God’s promise, emphasizing that it was counted to him as righteousness. For this purpose, Paul relates this concept to believers, stating that their faith in God, who raised Jesus from the dead for their justification, is also counted as righteousness. [3: Byrne, Brendan. Romans, Daniel J Harrington, ed. Sacra Pagina Series, V. 6. Collegeville, MN.: Liturgical Press, 2007, 62, 63.] [4: Joseph A Fitzmyer. Romans. AB 33. New York: Doubleday, 1993, 382.] [5: Byrne, Brendan. Romans. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1996, 141.]

Throughout Romans 4, Paul upholds Abraham as an exemplar of righteousness attained not through works or circumcision but through unwavering faith. Paul introduces Abraham as the spiritual forefather of both Jews and Gentiles of faith.[footnoteRef:6] For example, in Romans 4:9-11, this point is made directly: “Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised?” Likewise, Paul clearly states that Abraham was considered righteous because of his belief, not his adherence to rituals or laws: “It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,” [6: N. T. Wright. “Paul and the Patriarch: The Role of Abraham in Romans 4.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 35, no. 3 (March 1, 2013): 207–41.]

In other words, Paul leverages the example of Abraham to argue that circumcision and Jewish observances are not prerequisites for righteousness; rather, faith is paramount. For this purpose, Paul points out that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness before he was circumcised. Circumcision was simply an outward sign; Abraham's inner faith justified him. Through the passages in Romans 4:1-11, Paul contends that all people can become spiritual children of Abraham by similarly exhibiting faithful belief. In fact, ethnicity and external rites are irrelevant. This indicates that the true children of Abraham are those who share the same spirit of faith that Abraham modeled.[footnoteRef:7] Indeed, Abraham provides the archetype of the inward disposition of faith leading to righteousness without ritual works. For instance, in Romans 4:1-12, Paul maintains that circumcision is not a prerequisite for being considered a spiritual descendant of Abraham: “12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.” [7: Luke Timothy Johnson. Interpreting Paul. The Canonical Paul, Volume 2. Grand Rapids. Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2021, chap. 1.]

Likewise, Romans 4:13-14 also convey a significant theological message concerning the nature of righteousness, faith, and the relationship between God's promise and the law. These passages emphasize that Abraham and his descendants did not receive God’s promise of being heirs to the world through adherence to the Mosaic Law, but rather through their faith in God’s promises. In this regard, Romans 4:13-13 emphasizes that the inheritance and promise of Abraham were not contingent on following the Mosaic Law or fulfilling legalistic requirements. Instead, it was through the righteousness that comes by faith that Abraham and his descendants received this promise. In other words, their trust in God and His faithfulness, rather than their legal compliance, was the basis for receiving the promised blessings.

Similarly, 4:13-14 also highlights the contrast between faith and reliance on the law. These passages make it clear that if those who rely strictly on the law are the sole heirs of God’s promises, then faith becomes irrelevant, and the promise of Abraham becomes worthless.[footnoteRef:8] As Paul points out in 4:13-13, “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” This passage emphasizes the supremacy of faith as the means through which God’s promises are received. If it were solely about following the law, then faith would lose its significance in the context of God’s covenant promises. Again in 4:13-14, Paul reiterates that, “For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,” [8: Douglas J. Moo. The Epistle to the Romans. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub, 1996, 312.]

An ancient legal dictum that is explicated in Romans 4:13-15 remains relevant today. The dictum, nullum crimen sine lege (i.e., “no crime without law”) suggests that nothing is illegal unless there is a natural or humanmade law against it, a tenet that is applicable to the points being made by Paul in this chapter. For example, in 4:15, Paul makes the point that, “… because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.” In sum, these passages emphasize that God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants is rooted in faith rather than legalistic observance of the law. They highlight the fundamental importance of faith as the means by which individuals receive God’s promises and blessings, emphasizing that faith and the promise of God are intertwined, while legalism alone cannot secure the inheritance of God’s blessings. These biblical passages underscore that God’s promise is accessible to all through faith and grace, regardless of whether they are bound by the law or share the faith of Abraham. In other words, Abraham is presented as the spiritual father of a diverse multitude, not limited by nationality or adherence to the law but united by faith.[footnoteRef:9] [9: Frank J. Matera. Romans (Paideia: Commentaries on the New Testament). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010. 105-107.]

In 4:16, Paul emphasizes that the promise is obtained through faith, highlighting its dependence on God's grace. This means that God’s blessings are not earned through human effort or law-keeping, regardless of how pious they may be, but are rather freely given as an act of divine grace. Furthermore, this promise is guaranteed to all of Abraham’s descendants, not only those who are under the law but also to those who exhibit the same kind of faith that Abraham had. This expansive notion of inheritance emphasizes the universality of God’s covenant blessings.[footnoteRef:10] [10: Anthony C. Thiselton. Discovering Romans: Content, Interpretation, Reception. London: SPCK, 2016. 113.]

In 4:17, Paul refers to the divine promise that Abraham would become the father of many nations, a promise fulfilled not only in the physical realm but also in the spiritual sense. Abraham is regarded as the father of all who share in his faith, symbolizing unity among believers across different nations and backgrounds. The passage emphasizes that Abraham's faith in the God who can give life to the dead and create something out of nothing was the foundation of this promise. It underscores the transformative power of faith and the remarkable nature of the God in whom Abraham believed.[footnoteRef:11] [11: Ben Witherington. New Testament Rhetoric: An Introductory Guide to the Art of Persuasion in and of the New Testament. Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2009, 116.]

In Romans 4:18-22, Paul again depicts Abraham as an exemplar of faith-based righteousness by underscoring the extraordinary nature of Abraham's faith, which defied all odds and human reasoning. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, including his old age and Sarah's barrenness, Abraham unwaveringly believed in God’s promise that he would become the father of many nations. Rather than weakening in faith, Abraham’s trust in God grew stronger even as he acknowledged the impossibility of the situation. Further, Paul makes it clear that Abraham also attributed his enduring faith to his conviction that God possessed the power to fulfill His promises. Ultimately, Paul emphasizes that it was Abraham's unwavering faith, rather than his deeds, that led to God considering him as righteous. This passage serves as a compelling illustration of Paul's teaching on justification by faith, where righteousness is attained through faith in God's promises rather than human works or adherence to the law.