Romans 4

Hendriksen

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) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Example of Abraham.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 What does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. ) 4:1 12 ) 2. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 This example shows that God s promise is realized through faith, not works.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 6 2 8 0 0 Therefore what was promised came by faith, in order that it might be a matter of grace. ) 4:13 25 ) B. Scriptural ) 1. The Example of Abraham ) What does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness ) 4:1 12 ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 4 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered? 2 For if Abraham was justified on the basis of works, he has something to boast about. But from God s point of view he has no reason to boast.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a favor but as a debt.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� 5 On the other hand, to the person who does not work but rests his faith on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness; 6 just as David also pronounces a blessing upon the person to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: ) 6 6 2 8 0 0 7 Blessed (are) those ) whose transgressions are forgiven, ) whose sins are covered. ) 8 Blessed is the man ) whose sin the Lord will never reckon (against him). ) 9 Is this blessing then [pronounced] only upon the circumcised, or also upon the uncircumcised? For we are saying, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances then was it so reckoned? Not after he had been circumcised, but while he was still uncircumcised.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� 11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness by faith which he had while still uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who have faith but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be reckoned to them; 12 and also the father of those circumcised people who not only are circumcised but also walk in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had (even) before he was circumcised. ) 8 1 2 8 0 0

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 In the preceding paragraph (3:21 31) Paul has been proclaiming a righteousness ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 from God,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and therefore valid before God and not dependent in any way on human merit. He has stated that the law and the prophets had already borne witness to this righteousness (3:21). It is this point which he is now going to develop. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 It should be observed that, in doing so, the apostle does not try to make matters easy for himself. He attacks the proponents of the opposite view salvation on the basis of human merit at the very fortress in which they deem themselves to be the strongest, namely, the story of Abraham, that great patriarch who, according to the thinking of the Jews, had ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 earned) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 his way into God s good pleasure. Paul asks, What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered? He probably means, What was it he discovered with respect to the manner in which a person enters into right relation with God? ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Note Abraham, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 our) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 forefather. Among authors who believe that the church of Rome consisted mainly of Jews there are some who appeal also to this passage. Their argument is that when Paul, being himself a Jew, calls Abraham our forefather, he must mean that those whom he addressed were mainly Jews.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.1|AUTODETECT|” �� But by no means all who are of the opinion that the Jews predominated in that church use ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in support of their contention, the reason being that such a proof (?) is very weak indeed; and this for the following reasons: ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 a. Abraham was the father not only of Jews but also of Ishmaelites and Edomites; hence even in the physical sense he was the father of Jews ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and Gentiles) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.0|AUTODETECT|” b. The very purpose of Paul in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.0|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was to show that in a sense Abraham was the father not only of Jews but also of Gentiles. See 4:11, 12. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.1|AUTODETECT|” c. In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the apostle states, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Our) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, but he could not have meant that the Corinthians he was addressing were mostly Jews. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , & when you were ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 pagans) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .& ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 d. As any unabridged ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 dictionary of the English language) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates, the word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 our) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is not always used in the strictly literal sense belonging to us. It can also mean of interest to us, or pertaining to the subject we are discussing, etc. In the present context Paul, in referring to Abraham, our forefather, may well have been thinking of him as that distant ancestor of interest to all of us. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 What, then, had this forefather discovered with respect to the subject in question? ) The apostle feels that he has a right to bring up this example of Abraham. ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 2a. For��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
8 1 -1 9 0 0 �� if Abraham was justified on the basis of works, he has something to boast about.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 A few lines earlier (3:27) Paul has drawn the conclusion that since justification hence also salvation in general is by faith alone, and faith is God s gift, every reason for human boasting is excluded. However, having been thoroughly drilled in Pharisaic doctrine, he knows that his ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 opponents) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 will immediately cite the example of Abraham as proof positive that the factor of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 works,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and therefore ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 human merit,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 cannot be entirely excluded when the question is asked, How do people obtain acceptance with God? Moreover, if there is really such a thing as human ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 merit,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 then is there not also a basis for human ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 boasting?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 What follows therefore in chapter 4 is Paul s powerful defense of the proposition, expressed earlier (3:20, 27, 28), that justification is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 by faith,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not by works. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 By the Jewish teachers and their followers Abraham was considered the only righteous man of his generation. Moreover, they held that it was for that very reason that he had been chosen to be the ancestor of the holy nation. He was considered the first of seven men who, by their ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 merits,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.15|AUTODETECT|” brought back the Shekinah 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.15|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 24:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.16|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), so that it could take up its abode in the tabernacle. We are told, moreover, that Abraham began to serve God at the age of three, and that his righteousness was made complete by his circumcision and his anticipatory fulfilment of the law. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Note also the following words from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Prayer of Manasseh) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 8, Therefore thou, O Lord, God of the righteous, hast not appointed repentance for the righteous, for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who did not sin against thee, but thou hast appointed repentance for me, who am a sinner. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 The Book of Jubilees) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , probably dating from the second century b.c., minimizes the weaknesses of the patriarchs, and contains the statement, Abraham was perfect in all his deeds with the Lord, and well-pleasing in righteousness all the days of his life (23:10). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Special note should be taken of the fact that the rabbis were not at all afraid of referring to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in defense of their doctrine of justification and salvation on the basis of human works and merit; witness this statement: ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Our father Abraham became the heir of this and of the coming world simply by the merit of the faith with which he believed in the Lord; as it is written, He believed in the Lord, who counted it to him as righteousness. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 It is clear therefore that by ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” appealing to ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15.6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in defense of the doctrine of justification and salvation purely by faith the apostle was making use of the very passage which by the rabbis was regarded as supporting the opposite view) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Paul s rejection of this doctrine of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 merit) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is clear-cut. He writes: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 2b 5. But from God s point of view he [Abraham] has no reason to boast. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. Now to the one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a favor but as a debt. On the other hand, to the person who does not work but rests his faith on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What Paul is saying amounts to this: ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Our opponents appeal to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” in support of their doctrine of justification by works, by human merit. As they see it, Abraham was justified by works. But where, in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is even ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” word said about work or merit? According to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 God bestowed righteousness on Abraham as a free gift. Abraham rested his faith on the gracious Giver, who reckoned the patriarch s faith for righteousness. More fully expressed this means that God counted for righteousness ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that which Abraham appropriated by faith,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 namely, the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 righteousness) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” of Christ. That the apostle had this in mind he makes clear in this very chapter see verses 6, 11 and 25 and in the next (5:6 21). See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The Lord reckoned or considered or counted this ungodly individual, yes this sinner, namely, Abraham, to be that which in and by himself he was not, namely ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 just) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” . The Lord was able to do this, without in any way becoming unjust, because of the certainty that the Coming Messiah would by means of his voluntary sacrifice secure this great blessing for Abraham and for all those who share Abraham s faith. In this connection read ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|” , especially verses 4 6, 8, 12 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.19|AUTODETECT|” 5:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). On the question whether Abraham himself saw Christ s day see ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” N.T.C.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.56|AUTODETECT|” on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.56|AUTODETECT|” John 8:56) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (John, Vol. II, pp. 64 66). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 I favor this interpretation, with its emphasis on Abraham s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 for the following reasons: ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” a. In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the emphasis is entirely on Abraham s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . No mention is made at all of his work or merit. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.2-45.4.5|AUTODETECT|” b. In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.2-45.4.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:2 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 two forms of the verb ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to exercise faith, to believe,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 occur; so does the cognate noun ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (once). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 c. To sharpen this emphasis on faith the passage (in verses 4, 5) even implies that Abraham belonged to the class of people who do not work (to obtain their salvation), and who accordingly earn no wages. God owes them nothing! ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” d. The Hebrew verb, a form of �� 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ), in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 rendered ��, was reckoned, is frequently used to indicate what a person, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 considered by himself,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.15|AUTODETECT|” is not, or does not have, but is reckoned, held, or regarded to be, or to have. Examples: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 38:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.1.13|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.13.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.13.24|AUTODETECT|” Job 13:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” . So also here 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to Abraham is ascribed or imputed that which he does not himself possess. It is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 graciously reckoned) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to him because of the righteousness of Another. It is conferred on those who ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 trust) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in God for their justification and salvation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.6-48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” e. In the parallel passage 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.6-48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:6 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the emphasis on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (in the sense already explained) is very strong: ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 (It is) even as recorded: Abraham ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 believed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 [rested his ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in] God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness. Know then that those who are of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it is they who are sons of Abraham. Now Scripture, seeing that it was by ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that God would justify the Gentiles, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, (saying): In you all the nations shall be blessed. Therefore those that are of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are blessed with Abraham, the man of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 From start to finish, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 therefore, right standing with God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is God s gift. It is appropriated by ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 God-given faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; see N.T.C. on Ephesians, pp. 120 123). To God therefore belongs all the glory. For human boasting there is no room whatever. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Between verses 1 5 and verses 6 8 there is a close connection. The earlier passage made reference to Abraham, upon whom God graciously conferred the blessing of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 right standing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 with the Almighty, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 justification) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The immediately following lines describe the blessedness of those whose transgressions are forgiven. Now forgiveness is a very important part of justification. Also note how often a form of the verb ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to reckon) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 occurs in verses 1 5. There is an echo of this in verse 8. ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 6 8. & just as David also pronounces a blessing upon the person to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 Blessed (are) those) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 whose transgressions are forgiven,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 whose sins are covered.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 Blessed is the man) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 whose sin the Lord will never reckon (against him). ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.3|AUTODETECT|” There are those who believe that, influenced by his earlier training under Gamaliel 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” ), Paul, in combining a reference to Abraham 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” ) with a reference to David 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 a), is making use of one of the seven rules of interpretation formulated by Hillel, namely, the rule called ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Analogy,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 which allows one passage to be joined to another if the same word occurs in both , the purpose being that the meaning of the word in the first passage will then apply also to its use in the second. However that may be, in the present case this carryover in meaning is certainly legitimate, since the universe of discourse, namely, gracious imputation of righteousness, has not changed. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Note the following: ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” a. The words of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 a are quoted here. David is jubilant. Why? Because he knows that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 transgressions��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� have been forgiven,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 sins covered.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1-19.32.5|AUTODETECT|” �� See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1-19.32.5|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:1 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; especially verse 5b. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” If the sins to which this Psalm refers are those in connection with Bathsheba, which may well be the case, the historical background of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.4|AUTODETECT|” would be the same as that of the words quoted in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . See on that passage. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 However, David is thinking not only of the pardon he himself received. The very words, Blessed (are) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 those) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the man) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , etc. indicate that he includes in his beatitude all those who have received a similar blessing. ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 b. The main point here stressed is that the forgiveness, granted and experienced, was the result not of human work but of divine grace. In this respect Abraham and David have something in common. Both are the recipients of God s sovereign, unearned favor. ) c. In verse 5 of the immediately preceding section (verses 1 5) Paul used the expression faith is reckoned for righteousness, meaning, God counted for righteousness that which Abraham (or anyone who similarly places his trust in God) appropriated by faith, namely, the righteousness of Christ. This explanation is confirmed in the present section (verses 6 8); note the words, the person to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works (verse 6).

In both cases, therefore, it is in the final analysis not faith considered by itself but the righteousness of Christ which is imputed to the sinner who, in genuine faith, has fled to God for refuge. ) d. It has been shown that Abraham was declared righteous, justified, though he had not earned this blessing by the performance of any good work. Here, in verses 6 8, David pronounces a blessing upon contrite, conscience-stricken sinners, penitent wrongdoers. In both cases human works do not enter into the picture; only God s work of grace does. Far from pronouncing blessed those who have performed good deeds, David pronounces a blessing upon those whose transgressions were not laid to their account. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.10|AUTODETECT|” e. Justification transcends forgiveness. It includes but also goes beyond pardoning, as the very exclamation Blessed hints. The truly blessed person is not only conscious of having been pardoned. He rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory because he is able to say, God has accepted me as his son, his daughter. He loves me. For evidence see this same ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.11-19.103.13|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.11-19.103.13|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 103:11 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 f. In verse 7 David, by inspiration, is represented as pronouncing a blessing upon ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 those) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 whose transgressions have been forgiven, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on them all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In verse 8 he individualizes this pronouncement. This time the singular is used, Blessed is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the man) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the person) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 whose sin the Lord will never reckon (against him). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 To speak about blessings granted to many is fine and necessary. Nevertheless, for any particular person these favors become real only then when he is able to say, O God, thou art ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 my God) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.1|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 63:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 9 12. Is this blessing then (pronounced) only upon the circumcised, or also upon the uncircumcised? For we are saying, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness. Under what circumstances then was it so reckoned? After he had been circumcised, or while he was still uncircumcised? Not after he had been circumcised, but while he was still uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness by faith which he had while still uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who have faith but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be reckoned to them; and also the father of those circumcised people who not only are circumcised but also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had (even) before he was circumcised.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Paul now returns to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” . In light of his interpretation of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” a his further remarks about the Genesis passage take on added significance. It now becomes clear that when, in the sense already explained, Abraham s faith was reckoned for righteousness, this was indeed an inestimable blessing, a blessing all the more significant because the patriarch could not have earned it. Moreover, as the reference to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a has shown, the blessing was not only for Abraham but also for David, and & for any others? For the circumcised and also for the uncircumcised? For the Jews and also for the Gentiles?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” 119) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Standard Jewish doctrine answered, Only for the circumcised. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” 120) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|” �� Even in the early church Jewish converts to Christianity found it difficult to shake off their nationalistic prejudices: Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.25-45.2.27|AUTODETECT|” ). If any further proof is needed see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.25-45.2.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:25 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.12-48.6.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.12-48.6.15|AUTODETECT|” 6:12 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Paul s question, Is this blessing then (pronounced) only upon the circumcised or also on the uncircumcised? is therefore understandable. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Paul s response is masterful. It should constantly be borne in mind that he is writing by inspiration. He proves that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Abraham s faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 meaning the righteousness of Christ appropriated by faith ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 was reckoned or imputed to Abraham for righteousness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not after he had been circumcised but ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 while he was still uncircumcised!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It was then already that Abraham was declared righteous in God s sight. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 This very significant chronological observation becomes clear from a study of the following references: ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.24|AUTODETECT|” a. Abraham was ninety-nine years of age when he was circumcised 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.25|AUTODETECT|” b. On that same day Ishmael was also circumcised 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.25|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.25|AUTODETECT|” c. Ishmael was then thirteen years of age 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.25|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.18|AUTODETECT|” d. When God made his covenant with Abraham 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.18|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” ), and Abraham believed the Lord, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.2|AUTODETECT|” ), Ishmael had not yet been conceived 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.16.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.16.4|AUTODETECT|” 16:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Conclusion: between the moment when the blessing of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was pronounced upon Abraham and the day he was circumcised there must have been an interval of at least about fourteen years. An even longer interval is possible. According to Jewish chronology the gap was one of twenty-nine years -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” S.BK.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 III, p. 203). A considerably shorter period than fourteen years is impossible. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Accordingly, it was upon the still uncircumcised Abraham, who in that respect resembled a Gentile, that the promise was given, the blessing pronounced. This proves that circumcision has nothing to do with being declared righteous.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 If any unbelieving Jews heard these words, they must have been shocked. Even some Christians from among the Jews must have been startled. ) We are told that Abraham received the sign of circumcision, meaning: the sign, namely, circumcision.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 121) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Being a sign, it signifies or indicates a fact. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Sign) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 thing signified) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are generally closely related. Thus in the present case the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 cutting away) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the foreskin suggests and symbolizes the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 excision) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the guilt and pollution of sin; hence, justification and, closely connected with it, sanctification. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Circumcision was also a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 seal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . To Abraham it was a guarantee of the trustworthiness of God s promise. It meant that this patriarch could depend upon it that in the way of faith, and the obedience resulting from faith, the righteousness of Christ was reckoned or imputed to him. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.4.24-2.4.26|AUTODETECT|” Signs and seals are very valuable. To be sure, it is possible to overestimate their significance. In and by themselves these signs in the old dispensation the bloody ones of circumcision and Passover; in the new, the unbloody ones of baptism and the Lord s Supper do not bring about justification or, in general, salvation. However, they do indeed signify and seal it in the manner already indicated. And is not that a source of comfort? The rainbow does not save mankind from being swallowed up by a flood, but it does signify and seal that God will never again drown the human race.

The wedding ring does not bring married bliss, but what married person, who loves his (her) marriage partner, would ever think of doing away with the ring that means so much to him (her)? Indeed, signs and seals must not be underestimated. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.4.24-2.4.26|AUTODETECT|”
Exod. 4:24 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=6.5.1-6.5.12|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=6.5.1-6.5.12|AUTODETECT|”
Josh. 5:1 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=12.23.21-12.23.23|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=12.23.21-12.23.23|AUTODETECT|”
II Kings 23:21 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 2:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|”
39) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.11.23|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.11.23|AUTODETECT|”
I Cor. 11:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
f. They have great educational and psychological value. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
But neither should they be overrated!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 0
Paul clings to his subject. Therefore, what he really emphasizes is this, namely, that Abraham received ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness by faith which he had while still uncircumcised!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 0
These words while still uncircumcised, with slight variations, are found in three succeeding verses: 10, 11, 12. It is as if Paul wanted to din into the ears of the uncircumcised Gentiles this enormous truth: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Don t hold back. Don t hesitate to place your undivided trust in this marvelous Savior, the Revealer of God Triune. The fact that you have not been circumcised cannot prevent you from being saved. God is calling you. He is calling you ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
now) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. It was while Abraham was still uncircumcised that God made his covenant with him. He stands ready to do the same for you. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
It is clear, therefore, that Abraham, to whom the righteousness of Christ was reckoned or imputed before he had been circumcised, and to whom, once he had been circumcised, God repeated his gracious promise again and again, is the spiritual father, the head of the procession, of two ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
sub) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
-groups: (a) all who have faith but have not been circumcised; and (b) all who not only have been circumcised but also have and exercise faith, showing this to be true by following in the footsteps of the faith Abraham had (even) before he was circumcised. These two ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
sub) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
-groups constitute ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
one large group of believers,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
Abraham being the father of them all (verse 16). ) 6 2 2 8 0 0
This also indicates that circumcision is not essential to salvation. ) It is maintained at times that neither is it a deterrent or excluding factor.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref18
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
122) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� If this means, as it probably does, that the fact that a person has been circumcised does not ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
necessarily) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
prevent him from being saved, I fully agree, for this is what ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
clearly teaches. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.7.19|AUTODETECT|”
What the apostle stresses again and again in his epistles is that, as far as being saved is concerned, circumcision makes no difference, amounts to nothing 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.7.19|AUTODETECT|”
I Cor. 7:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 5:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.6.15|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.6.15|AUTODETECT|”
6:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.11|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.11|AUTODETECT|”
Col. 3:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.2|AUTODETECT|”
). But does this not also imply that if too much is made of circumcision or today, of baptism as if in some sense salvation were dependent upon it, it might in certain cases indeed become an excluding factor? Note what Paul says in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.2|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 5:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0: ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 Now I, Paul, say to you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. I feel sure that the author of the fine commentary to which I just now referred would have agreed with me. ) This subject has practical significance for every age, including the present. Previously the importance of signs and seals has been established. See p. 151. (It should not be lost sight of, however, that the bloody signs and seals have been replaced by the unbloody ones.) Just now the danger of overestimating their value has been signalized. The reason for stressing the fact that both extremes should be avoided is that even today the Church administers sacraments: baptism and the Lord s Supper. With respect to these, too, extremes should be avoided.
Rushing in to drop some water on a dying child s forehead, fearing that otherwise it might not enter heaven at death, makes no sense. On the other hand, the custom of some, needlessly to postpone baptism, is also not to be recommended. Both extremes are unbiblical. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
Signs and seals do not save automatically. In this connection note how careful the apostle is. Here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|”
he first tells believers from the Gentiles (the uncircumcised) that, according to God s plan, Abraham became the father of all who have faith but have not been circumcised. Then he adds, with respect to believers from the Jews, who, even after their conversion to Christ were prone to attach too great a value to the sign 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), and also the father of those circumcised people who not only are circumcised ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
but also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had (even) before he was circumcised) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. It is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
life) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
living) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
for Jesus that is emphasized. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.9-45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
It would be difficult to overestimate the significance of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.9-45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 4:9 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|”
. The passage means that with one stroke of the pen the entire huge wall of separation between Jew and Gentile was razed to the ground. Moreover, the promise made to Abraham, when God established his covenant with him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|”
Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.15.18|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.15.18|AUTODETECT|”
18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|”
17:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.22.15-1.22.18|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.22.15-1.22.18|AUTODETECT|”
22:15 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), is still in effect,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref19
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
123) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� and has significance for all believers and their families.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref20
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20”
124) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 6 5 2 8 0 0
2. This example shows that God s promise is realized through faith, not works ) Therefore what was promised came by faith, in order that it might be a matter of grace ) 4:13 25 ) 13 For it was not through (the) law that Abraham or his seed received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through righteousness resulting from faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith is deprived of its value and the promise is rendered worthless; 15 for the law produces wrath, but where there is no law there is also no transgression. ) 16 For this reason what was promised came by faith, namely, in order that it might be a matter of grace, and in order that the promise might be certain of fulfilment��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref21
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”
125) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� for all the seed, not for those who only live by the law, but for those who also live by the faith of Abraham (who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, Father of many nations have I made you ), in the presence of God on whom he rested his faith, the God who imparts life to the dead, and calls things that are not as though they were. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, in agreement with what had been told him, So shall your seed be. 19 And without weakening in faith he took note of the fact that his own body was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old and that Sarah s womb was also dead.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref22
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”
126) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� 20 Yet he did not waver in unbelief with respect to God s promise, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that what God had promised he would be able to perform. 22 That is why it was reckoned to him for righteousness. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
23 Now the words, It was reckoned to him, were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us to whom it is to be reckoned, to us who rest our faith on him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref23
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”
127) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 6 2 2 8 0 0
Paul continues his demonstration of the fact that the doctrine of justification by faith, not through the works of the law, is indeed not a novelty but has its foundation in the Scriptures; that is, in what today we call the Old Testament. ) In the preceding paragraph (4:1 12) he has already shown that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
according to Scripture,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
attaining the status of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
righteousness in the eyes of God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
is a matter not of works and merit but of faith and therefore of grace. Also, that it has nothing to do with circumcision. In fact, Abraham was pronounced righteous long before he was circumcised. Therefore Abraham should be regarded as the father or spiritual leader of all true believers, circumcised or not. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
In the present paragraph (verses 13 25) this idea that divine grace, not human effort, is the basis upon which rests the building of salvation full and free is made to stand out even more clearly by the emphasis that is placed on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
the divine promise) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. That word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
promise) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
at times indicating the divine declaration itself, then again its effectuation or realization (the promised blessing) occurs here for the first time in Paul s epistle to the Romans. The idea that the God of the covenant is the God of the promise is repeated several times (verses 13, 14, 16, 20, 21). This promise, moreover, is of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
world-embracing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
significance. It affects not only ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
true believers, Jew and Gentile alike, but also causes its influence to be felt in every age, past, present, and future. For this world-embracing application of the divine promise verses 11, 12 have already prepared us. ) 8 1 2 8 0 0
13 15. For it was not through (the) law that Abraham or his seed received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through righteousness resulting from faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith is deprived of its value and the promise is rendered worthless; for the law produces wrath, but where there is no law there is also no transgression.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 0
As the Jews saw it, the promise made to Abraham was to be realized through obedience to the Mosaic law. The rabbis even maintained that long before the law was promulgated from Sinai, Abraham already had a thorough knowledge of it and obeyed it in all its details.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref24
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24”
128) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.3.16-48.3.18|AUTODETECT|”
Over against this the apostle states that the promise was given to Abraham considered as a man of faith in his God, and that it was a result of this faith that righteousness had been reckoned or credited to him. Works or merit had nothing to do with the promise or its fulfilment. Obedience to the law was not in the picture, for the promise was made to Abraham many years before the law had been promulgated. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.3.16-48.3.18|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 3:16 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
Note the words, & Abraham or his seed received the promise that he would be heir of the world, that is, that, as a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
gift) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
from God he would ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
obtain) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
the world. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref25
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25”
129) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� But what does that mean? ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
In answer to this question it may be well, first of all, to point out that God s promise to Abraham contained the following items: ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.12.7|AUTODETECT|”
a. title to the land of Canaan 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.12.7|AUTODETECT|”
Gen. 12:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.13.14|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.13.14|AUTODETECT|”
13:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.13.15|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.13.15|AUTODETECT|”
15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.13.17|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.13.17|AUTODETECT|”
17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.15.7|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.15.7|AUTODETECT|”
15:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.8|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.8|AUTODETECT|”
17:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). This item is spelled out in some detail in 15:18 21. ) 6 3 2 8 0 0
b. the assurance that in number his seed would be as the dust of the earth (13:16; 15:5; cf. 18:18). ) The book of Exodus shows us that the promise of an abundant posterity was realized. The book of Joshua shows us that also the land of Canaan became the possession of Abraham s descendants. ) Before we proceed to item c. it should be pointed out that the conclusion drawn by many, namely, that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
today,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.18.9|AUTODETECT|”
because of item a., the entire land of Canaan, in its widest dimensions, really belongs to the Jews, is unwarranted. Every fairminded person regrets the persecutions the Jews have endured, wants them to enjoy the full measure of security to which they are entitled, and is relentlessly opposed to every manifestation of anti-Semitism. But all this is no excuse for ignoring the fact expressed so clearly in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.18.9|AUTODETECT|”
Jer. 18:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.18.10|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.18.10|AUTODETECT|”
10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 2 2 8 0 0
This brings us now to the next item: ) c. the guarantee that in Abraham s seed all the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
families of the earth) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.3.16|AUTODETECT|”
will be blessed. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.3.16|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
states that it is in Christ, the real ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
Seed,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|”
that all those who embrace him will be blessed. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 3:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
adds, And if you are Christ s, then you are Abraham s seed, heirs according to promise. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
It is in light of such passages as these that we will have to interpret the passage that Abraham or his seed received the promise that he would be ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
heir of the world) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.13|AUTODETECT|”
12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.13|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 4:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|”
), father of many nations (verses 17, 18). And is it not also true that Abraham and all who by sovereign grace constitute his seed do actually in a sense own the universe? Do not all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 8:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.3.21|AUTODETECT|”
), so that Paul can say, All things are yours 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.3.21|AUTODETECT|”
I Cor. 3:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
)? Rightly interpreted, therefore, Abraham, to whom the righteousness of Christ was imputed, was heir of the world. The same was and is true, of course, with respect to all those who have a share in Abraham s faith. If the Lord is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
their) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|”
God, which is the very essence of the covenant of grace 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|”
Gen. 17:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), all is well. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
It is understandable that if, instead, those people who believe that strenuous efforts to obey the law in all its details will save them, were right, then faith reliance for salvation not on self but on God would have lost its value. Also, on that basis no one would ever be saved, for the law demands perfection, which no sinner is able to render. Therefore the promise would be rendered worthless, for under those circumstances it could never be fulfilled. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.22.3|AUTODETECT|”
Paul had tried very hard to be saved by the law. He had failed miserably 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.22.3|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 22:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|”
4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.13|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.1.13|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.3.4-50.3.7|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.3.4-50.3.7|AUTODETECT|”
Phil. 3:4 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). Having been snatched as a brand from the fire, he now understood that the law produces wrath. It ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
condemns) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.28.58|AUTODETECT|”
the sinner, pronounces a curse on all those who do not comply perfectly with its demands 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.28.58|AUTODETECT|”
Deut. 28:58) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.3|AUTODETECT|”
f.). ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.3|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 8:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
impresses this lesson upon us in very touching manner. The law cannot enable a person to fulfil its demands; hence cannot save anyone: For what the law could not do, God did by sending his own Son. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
When God had come to Abraham with his covenant promise, the law had not yet been promulgated, as mentioned in the preceding. Therefore conscious transgression of that law was also, in a sense, impossible: Where there is no law there is no transgression. As a result God had provided ample room for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
the promise) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
to function. ) 8 1 2 8 0 0
16, 17. For this reason what was promised came by faith, namely, in order that it might be a matter of grace, and in order that the promise might be certain of fulfilment for all the seed, not for those who only live by the law, but for those who also live by the faith of Abraham (who is the father of us all, as it is written, Father of many nations have I made you ), in the presence of God on whom he rested his faith, the God who imparts life to the dead, and calls things that are not as though they were.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 0
In line with what the apostle has just now been saying about the manner in which God carries out his plan of salvation, namely, by not insisting that in order to be saved the sinner must earn his own entrance into the kingdom of heaven, but by providing a solution in which grace would triumph, he now states that the reason the promised salvation came ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
by faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
was that it might be ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
a matter of grace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref26
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26”
130) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� This also implies that the promise, I will be their or your God, hence the promise of salvation full and free, would be certain of fulfilment, sure, firmly grounded, and unshakable. If the fulfilment of the promise had been dependent on human effort, so that salvation would have been the product of perfect obedience to the demands of God s law, this fulfilment would never have been attained. But now that it is a matter of grace, hence a matter of God s eternal and effective plan, its realization in the lives of all God s people is assured. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.89.0|AUTODETECT|”
And what a source of comfort this is! That is why, it is with such gusto that the congregation, gathered for worship, professes its faith by breaking out into the words of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.89.0|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 89) 6 1 -1 9 0 0: ) 6 4 2 8 0 0 I sing of mercies that endure, ) Forever builded firm and sure, ) Of faithfulness that never dies, ) Established changeless in the skies.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 Anonymous ) The immediately following words (16b) present a problem. After to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, the ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28” A.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 has: 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. Almost all modern translations agree in affirming that the apostle has in mind two groups of people to whom the promise is made sure. According to Hodge 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 192) these two are, respectively, believing Jews and believing Gentiles. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Now one objection to this construction is that in the immediate context see verses 11, 12 Paul has indicated that he regards Abraham as the father of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 believers, both Gentiles and Jews. It is therefore hard to see how the words that which is of the faith of Abraham could refer to Gentiles only; all the more so in the light of the appended clause who is the father of us all. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Besides, the place which the little word only (Greek ��) occupies in the sentence would seem to indicate that Paul is not thinking of two groups for which the promise has validity, but of one group only. He is saying, that the promise might be certain of fulfilment ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for all the seed, not for that by the law only but also by the faith of Abraham,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 thus literally; meaning: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 not for those who live by the law only but for those who also live by the faith of Abraham;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or not for those who only live by the law but for those who also live by the faith of Abraham, etc.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” The promise, then, is certain of fulfilment for one group only, namely, for that true seed, those people who, while honoring God s law (cf. 3:31), rest their faith on God, as did Abraham. All of them, whether Gentiles or Jews, are blessed with Abraham, the man of faith 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham s seed, heirs according to promise. What the apostle says here in 4:16 resembles what he has stated in 4:11, 12. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.5|AUTODETECT|” Abraham is here called the father of us all. In verse 11 he is called the father of all who believe. The apostle is evidently determined to see to it that the readers or hearers will understand that God does not recognize two separate groups on whom his special favor rests, but only one group, consisting of all genuine believers, whether they be Gentiles or Jews. In verse 17 he even adds evidence from the Old Testament, Father of many nations have I made you 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.20|AUTODETECT|” Now it must be admitted that in the Genesis passage the words many nations apply to Abraham s natural posterity. In the physical sense this patriarch was indeed the father of many nations or peoples: of the Ishmaelites 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.20|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.1-1.21.3|AUTODETECT|” ) as well as of Isaac and his descendants 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.1-1.21.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 21:1 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.21-1.25.25|AUTODETECT|” ); and through Isaac, of the Edomites as well as of the Israelites 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.21-1.25.25|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:21 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ch. 36); in fact even of the seed of Keturah (25:1 f.). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Shall we say, then, that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the apostle,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in speaking about Abraham s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 spiritual) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.5|AUTODETECT|” fatherhood, and in this context directing our attention to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” , is committing an error? But who would dare to take the position that the Holy Spirit lacks the right to take an Old Testament passage and give it an application different from that which it had in its original setting? However, in the present instance we do not have to make use of this argument, for even in the Genesis passages a reference to spiritual fatherhood is not altogether wanting. Note that in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Abraham is told that in and through him all the families of the earh ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 will be blessed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Beautiful is the expression the faith of Abraham & in the presence of��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� God on whom he rested his faith. It describes the great patriarch as one who was the recipient of vivid experiences of the divine Presence. The father of all believers was filled with profound reverence; yet also with filial trust. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Paul further describes the object of Abraham s faith as the God who imparts life to the dead. The reference is to the One who revived Abraham s power to beget, and Sarah s ability to bear. See verses 18, 19.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Paul may also have been thinking about the resurrection of Jesus, for when he describes God as the One who imparts life to the dead, he is by means of that statement professing also his own faith. Moreover, see 4:24, 25. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What is the meaning of and calls things that are not as though they were ? Of these words there are several interpretations. The worst one is probably that volunteered by the leader of a certain sect. According to a newspaper report, when this person was caught in the act of telling an untruth, his excuse was, What of it? Does not Scripture state that even God calls things that are not as though they were? ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.48.13|AUTODETECT|” The most reasonable explanation may well be that which refers this expression to the activity of the Almighty during the week of creation, when, according to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.48.13|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 48:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , he ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 called into being) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 summoned) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that which beforehand did not exist, namely, the foundations of the earth and the heavens, probably representing the entire work of creation. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The main thrust of Paul s argument is this, that it was by ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in the Almighty and All Faithful God, and not by works, that Abraham received the fulfilment of the promise. ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 18 22. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, in agreement with what had been told him, So shall your seed be. And without weakening in faith he took note of the fact that his own body was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old and that Sarah s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver in unbelief with respect to God s promise, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, being fully persuaded that what God had promised he would be able to perform. That is why it was reckoned to him for righteousness.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 4 2 8 0 0 The character of Abraham s faith is set forth in a very striking manner. ) Note the following: ) a. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. ) Basically ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 means the expectation of something desirable. In the present case the object of hope was the fulfilment of God s promise that Abraham would have a son, in whose line the precious promise of God I will be your God & in your ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 seed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 all the nations of the earth will be blessed & So shall your seed be would attain fulfilment. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 A time arrived when ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 humanly speaking) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 this hope seemed impossible of realization. Nevertheless, against all hope, that is, in spite of the fact that the birth of the child of promise appeared to be impossible, Abraham in hope here the persuasion that God would be faithful to his promise continued to trust in God. Result: the hope was fulfilled so that, through his son Isaac, Abraham became the father of many nations (see on verse 17). ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 b. He did not waver & but was strengthened in faith.& ) Years passed, and still the promise had not been fulfilled. Bravely the patriarch faced the fact that he was now about a hundred years of age, that his own body here with special reference to his reproductive capacity was as good as dead,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.19|AUTODETECT|” �� and that Sarah was barren. Nevertheless, he not only continued to exercise faith in God and his promise but was even strengthened in his faith. That this is what actually happened is evident from the fact that when God repeated the promise to him in his very advanced age Sarah your wife will indeed bear you a son 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.19|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.9-1.17.14|AUTODETECT|” ) and ordered all the male membes of his household to be circumcised 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.9-1.17.14|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:9 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.23-1.17.26|AUTODETECT|” ), Abraham immediately glorified God by obeying this command 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.23-1.17.26|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:23 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And because of the fact that he thus glorified God he was strengthened in his faith. And since this faith expected everything from God, completely relying on him, it could be, and actually was, reckoned to him for righteousness. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 When a pastor presents to his congregation this account of Abraham s marvelous unwavering faith, it may well be that some people will become discouraged, thinking, If God requires such faith as this, namely, that a man way past the age of begetting children, with a wife whose womb is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 dead,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 must believe God s promise that he is going to have a child, that this child will be a boy, and that this very wife, and not some other woman, will give birth to him, then there is no hope for me. When it comes to simple, steadfast faith, the kind of trust that takes hold of God ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 under any and every circumstance of life,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 what a struggle I often experience! ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.18|AUTODETECT|” Close study of Scripture, however, should convince such a person that though, in a sense, Abraham s faith did not waver and was even strengthened, this cannot mean that he did not experience a struggle. He did! That is clearly implied in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.18|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.19|AUTODETECT|” (and perhaps even in 17:17, though with respect to that verse interpreters are divided). But God immediately reassured him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.19|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and it was in that sense that Abraham s faith did not waver and was even strengthened. Every pastor should therefore point his congregation to the Savior who, in answer to the prayer of the struggling soul, and in co-operation with the teaching of the Word, will strengthen and reassure. An excellent hymn in this connection is: ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast. ) A. R. Habershon ) That these precious passages of Scripture were meant for every age is shown in the verses which conclude this chapter of Romans: ) 8 1 2 8 0 0 23 25. Now the words, It was reckoned to him, were written not for him alone, but also for us to whom it is to be reckoned, to us who rest our faith on him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.1-19.78.7|AUTODETECT|” & not for him alone but also for us. That the words of Scripture were written not solely for the contemporaries of the respective authors but also for later generations is taught in both testaments 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.1-19.78.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 78:1 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.10|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.11|AUTODETECT|” 10:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; and in a sense ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.16|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.19|AUTODETECT|” ). So also the experiences of God s children were to be related to later generations 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.19|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Today, an age in which for many the study of history has become a lost art, this reminder should serve a good purpose. What Paul is saying is that we too are vitally concerned with this story about Abraham, and with the manner in which the righteousness of Christ was imputed to him. Is it not true that we too are the ones to whom it is to be reckoned? Are not we included in the family of those who rest our faith on him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead? ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Note that Paul s attitude toward Jesus Christ is one not only of profound reverence , but also of deep gratitude, heart-warming love . When the apostle wrote the words Jesus our Lord he was not just rattling off a few titles. No, this is the Paul of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , the one who said, the Son of God loved me and gave himself up for me. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Reflecting, then, on God s omnipotence and love employed in the interest of his people, Paul includes his addressees and himself in the circle of those who rest their faith on the One ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The long list of references which indicate that The Twelve (often represented by Peter) and Paul were convinced not only of the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead but also that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.24|AUTODETECT|” had raised him see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.32|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.15|AUTODETECT|” 3:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.26|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” 4:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.30|AUTODETECT|” 5:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.40|AUTODETECT|” 10:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.30|AUTODETECT|” 13:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.33|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.34|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.37|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” 17:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.14|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.15|AUTODETECT|” 15:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.21|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.21|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is significant. Does it not seem as if these passages are calling attention to the fact that God the Father must have been satisfied with the atoning sacrifice Jesus had offered? ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 Paul continues with words that have been, and continue to be, the occasion of much controversy, a controversy that centers in a little Greek word of three letters (��), which can be translated for or because of, or on account of. ) The controversial passage concerns Jesus our Lord, and the dispute is focused on the clause who was delivered up ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 our trespasses and was raised ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 our justification. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Some maintain that because these two clauses (a) delivered up for our trespasses, (b) raised for our justification are parallel, therefore if the first ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 looks back) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (is retrospective), the second must do the same. Or if the first ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 looks forward) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (is prospective), the second does likewise. See Murray, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 154f. That author chose the second of these alternatives: Jesus was delivered up in order to atone for our sins and was raised in order that we might be justified. A somewhat similar view can be found in Denney s commentary, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 622. To be fair to these authors, both of whom have written commentaries that are worthy of serious study, their books should be consulted on this question. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 It is interesting to notice that A. Schlatter, who also proceeds from the idea that �� must have the same meaning in both clauses, reaches the opposite conclusion. As he sees it, both are retrospective: because we fell, Jesus was condemned; because we had been justified, he arose.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Is it true, indeed, that we are compelled to choose between these two alternatives? Probably not. There is a third possibility, namely, that while basically the little word may have the same meaning in both clauses, namely, may indicate causality, this causality could still look backward in the first clause, forward in the second. In fact, even in the almost immediately preceding line (verses 23, 24) it is clear that the first �� 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 him ) looks backward, to Abraham; the second 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 us ) looks forward. So also here He was delivered up ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on account of,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 our trespasses ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 looks backward) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and means that our trespasses made it necessary for him to be delivered up, while (he) was raised ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on account of,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 our justification ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 looks forward) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and indicates that he was raised in order to assure us that in the sight of God we are indeed without sin. In other words Christ s resurrection had as its ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 purpose) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to bring to light the fact that all those who acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior have entered into a state of righteousness in the eyes of God.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The Father, by raising Jesus from the dead, assures us that the atoning sacrifice has been accepted; hence, our sins are forgiven. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|” Before we leave this precious passage 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” ) we must point out that here again the close connection between the Old and the New Testament is revealed. The words who was delivered up [or: over to death] for our trespasses are a strong reminder of what is found in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , where in verses 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, and 12, in one way or another, Messiah s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 vicarious suffering) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is described and predicted.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 That the truth with respect to the believers justification, solely of grace and by faith, is a treasure so precious that nothing no, nothing! can top it, Paul confesses when, in jubilation of spirit, he exclaims: ) Nevertheless the things that once were gains to me these have I counted loss for Christ. Yes, what is more, I certainly count all things to be sheer loss because of the all-surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and I am still counting them refuse, in order that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 not having a righteousness of my own, legal righteousness,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.7-50.3.9|AUTODETECT|” but that (which is) through faith in Christ, the righteousness (which is) from God and is by faith & 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.7-50.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:7 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Among the many precious truths held before us in this fourth chapter of Romans is certainly also this outstanding one, namely, that the comforting doctrine of justification not by works but by faith is firmly rooted in Scripture (the Old Testament), as the example of Abraham proves. ) 8 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.0|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 15 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.0|AUTODETECT|” Romans 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What then shall we say that Abraham has discovered? See also verses 3, 9, and 10. A hint for speakers: keep alive the interest of your audience by asking questions & but do not overdo this. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven & whose sins are covered. The reference to David is certainly apt, for if ever a man received righteous standing with God without having ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 earned) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” it, it was David. But because of the sovereign grace of his God his sins were forgiven, blotted out. Moreover, as ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 proves, that same blessing is bestowed upon every truly penitent sinner. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 And he received the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sign) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of circumcision as a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 seal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the righteousness by faith.& ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Because God is love 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.8|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ) and takes delight in saving sinners 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 18:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.32|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” 33:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:28 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” John 7:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 22:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), he strengthens his promises by means of signs and seals. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verses 16 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Abraham & the father of us all; the father of many nations. In God s kingdom there is no room for racial prejudice. All believers constitute one family, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Abraham s) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Family; in an even deeper sense, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 God s) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Family 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.15|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. There is a kind of hope that has no real foundation, no anchor. Abraham s hope was firmly anchored, namely, in God s unfailing promise. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.1|AUTODETECT|” 11:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and sing We Have an Anchor by Priscilla Owens. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 & being fully persuaded that what God had promised he would be able to perform. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Points of Contrast Between the Divine Promise and Human Promises) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 a. God s promise is always right. Human promises are sometimes wrong. ) b. God s promise is substantial; in fact, priceless. Human promises are often trivial. ) c. God never forgets his promise. People frequently forget. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.7|AUTODETECT|” d. God hence also Jesus fulfils his promise. In this respect, too, people often fail. But as to the Lord, is it not true that what he grants is often even more than what he promised? Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.7|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.34|AUTODETECT|” ) with ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.36|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Having set forth the truth that the state of righteousness in God s sight cannot be achieved by means of human works but is God s gift, the apostle now, in harmony with 4:21, elaborates on the fact that this representation is not a novelty but is thoroughly scriptural. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” In this connection he fixes the attention of the hearer and/or reader on the manner in which Abraham obtained this great blessing: Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ). He comments, Now to the one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a favor but as a debt. On the other hand, to the person who does not work but rests his faith on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. God counted for righteousness that which Abraham appropriated by faith, namely, the righteousness of Another, that is, of Jesus Christ, which was imputed to Abraham. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.11|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.6-45.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.6-45.5.21|AUTODETECT|” 5:6 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4-23.53.6|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4-23.53.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:4 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.8|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” By means of a quotation from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the apostle proves that what was true with respect to Abraham holds for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 believers: Blessed (are) those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Returning to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Paul asks, Is this blessing then pronounced only upon the circumcised or also upon the uncircumcised? He shows that it was long before Abraham was circumcised that his faith was reckoned for righteousness. As a result Abraham became the father of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 believers ; that is, of those uncircumcised as well as of those circumcised; in other words, of Gentile as well as of Jewish believers (verses 1 12). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 In close connection with the immediately preceding, Paul now emphasizes the importance of God s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 promise) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and its fulfilment. It was not through the law that Abraham received the promise. Human works or merit had nothing to do with it. It was ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 promise) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” that mattered. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 . God ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 promised) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.5|AUTODETECT|” Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, therefore heir of the world 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Abraham did not waver in unbelief but was strengthened in faith. He rested his faith on him who imparts life to the dead, and calls things that are not as though they were. In view of the fact that Abraham was almost a hundred years old and Sarah was barren, this faith of Abraham was indeed remarkable. The patriarch believed that whatever God promised he would also do. Moreover, the words It was reckoned to him for righteousness were meant not only for him but for all who rest their faith on God, the One who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 The Savior was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. This probably means that our trespasses made it necessary for Jesus to be delivered over to death, and that he was raised to life in order to assure us that his vicarious sacrifice had been accepted. As a result believers are, in the very sight of God, without sin and therefore righteous (verses 13 25). ) By means of corroborative evidence from the Old Testament Paul has made clear that the comforting doctrine of justification hence salvation by faith, on the basis of God s sovereign grace, is indeed thoroughly scriptural. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 107 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally: but not before God. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 108 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or: not as a gift but as an obligation. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 109 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally: While being in circumcision, or (while being) in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision but in uncircumcision. See footnote 119. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 110 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 There are textual variants. Some mss. omit the word �Q��, which, however, does not seriously affect the central meaning of the passage. Others place this perf. act. infinitive after !��. See Hodge, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 162, 163. The meaning would then be, What did Abraham attain ��p ��; that is, in a fleshly or carnal manner? One might say, in his own power. But not only is the textual support for this variant weak see textual apparatus Grk. N.T. (A-B-M-W) but this thought is also out of line with the context. The apostle is not discussing the subject of Abraham s discovery or even attainment ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 after the flesh) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 There is also the variant �� instead of ��. But it is natural to assume that the rareness of the word �� (acc. s. of ��) occurring only once in the New Testament, as contrasted with the frequency of the shorter one, which covers several pages in Moulton and Geden s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Concordance) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , caused someone to start the process of substituting the latter for the former. Moreover, does not the fact that the longer word occurs only once point to its authenticity at this place? ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The best procedure would seem to be to leave the Greek text exactly as given in the Greek New Testament to which reference has just been made. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 111 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The question, To whom did Paul address Romans? has been discussed earlier. See pp. 20 23. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 112 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The possibility must also be granted that the apostle meant, the forefather of myself and my fellow-Jews. Even if he meant that, this would not prove that the members of the Roman church were mostly Jews. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 113 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� can best be regarded as explaining the relevance of the question of verse 1 with respect to Abraham. This is another case of abbreviated expression. See N.T.C. on John, Vol. I, p. 206. More fully expressed, the meaning is probably, I refer to Abrabam ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 what is said about him proves that justification is by faith, not by works. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 114 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.31|AUTODETECT|” See S.BK. III, p. 186 ff.; 199 ff.; Mekilta on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.31|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 14:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; Sanday and Headlam, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 100, 101, 330 332; Lekkerkerker, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Vol. I, p. 164. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 11 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref9” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Testament Commentary) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 115 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See also H. W. Heidland on ��, Th.D.N.T., Vol. IV, pp. 284 292. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 116 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally: acts of lawlessness, law-violations, and in that sense ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 transgressions) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 117 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek ��, third per. pl. aor. pass. indicat. of ��. This is the only passage in which Paul uses the verb �� in the sense of to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 forgive) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” . He does, however, use the noun ��, forgiveness 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.39|AUTODETECT|” ). For the wide range of meaning which the verb has in the New Testament see N.T.C. on Luke, pp. 271, 364 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.39|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:39) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and 6:42). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 118 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��, from ��, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to cover,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.85.2|AUTODETECT|” same construction as the preceding verb. In the favorable sense, as here, of blotting out sin, the Hebrew original on which this Greek verb is based is found also in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.85.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 85:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.31.33|AUTODETECT|” . There is, however, also an unfavorable sense in which sin can be covered (or concealed). See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.31.33|AUTODETECT|” Job 31:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.28.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.28.13|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 28:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 119 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.9-45.4.12|AUTODETECT|” The words �� and ��, both of which occur several times in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.9-45.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:9 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.16|AUTODETECT|” , have a wide range of meanings. They can refer to a state or condition (respectively that of circumcision and uncircumcision) but can also indicate an individual or even a people. Besides, these words and their Hebrew equivalents can be used in a figurative or spiritual sense 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 10:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.6|AUTODETECT|” 30:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 4:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In any given case the correct English equivalent is determined by the context. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 120 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See S.BK., p. 203. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 11 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref16” S.BK. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Strack and Billerbeck, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Kommentar zum Neuen Testament aus Talmud und Midrasch) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 121 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� must be interpreted as a gen. of apposition. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 122 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Murray, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 139. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 123 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For more on this see my booklet ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Covenant of Grace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Grand Rapids, 1978, especially pp. 21 25. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 124 ) 6 4 2 8 0 0 Attention should be focused on a few points of grammar in verses 11, 12: ) First of all note �0� �x �6�� P�� & �0� �x �� P��: there is no reason to subtract anything from the full telic sense. But purpose does not exclude (but here certainly includes) result. ) �� = �� expresses attendant circumstance, as in 2:27. ) �� before ��. We translate, & those who not only are circumcised ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 but also follow) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in the footsteps & It is difficult to explain this ��. Many say nothing about it. Others are sure that someone made a mistake. The possibility that a very early copyist erred must be granted. The text is well attested, however, so that on that score there is no solution. What then? As I see it, Ridderbos, though not completely solving this puzzle, provides what may well be the best answer. See his comments, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 95, 96, 98, 99. He points to the fact that in verse 16 we find a similar construction (�� before � ��) which raises the question whether for Paul this kind of connection was as unusual as for his commentators. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 125 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or sure, firmly grounded, unshakable. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 126 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or: he considered his own body & and the deadness of Sarah s womb. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 127 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Instead of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for & for,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 one may substitute ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on account of & on account of) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 128 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 S.BK. III, pp. 186 ff.; 199 201; 204 ff. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 129 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On the meaning of the word �� see W. Foerster, Th.D.N.T., Vol. III, pp. 781 785. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 130 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In view of the almost immediately following 5��, it is best to interpret ��p �� as pointing forward; hence, For this reason & namely, in order that. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 131 ) 6 7 2 8 0 0 Or, with no less enthusiasm, in the Dutch services one will hear: ) Gij toch, Gij zijt hun roem, de kracht van hunne kracht; ) Uw vrije gunst alleen wordt d ere toegebracht; ) Wij steken thoofd omhoog, en zullen d eerkroon dragen, ) Door U, door U alleen, om teeuwig welbehagen; ) Want God is ons ten schild in tstrijdperk van dit leven, ) En onze Koning is van Isrels God gegeven. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 11 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref28” A.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Authorized Version (King James) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 132 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On this construction see also Greijdanus, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Vol. I, p. 238; and Ridderbos, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 98, 99. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 133 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” For this passage 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) a spiritual overtone or implication is also recognized by G. Ch. Aalders, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Korte Verklaring, Genesis) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Kampen, 1949, Vol. II, p. 63. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 134 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��, closely related to ��, is the LXX equivalent of the Hebrew ��. See my dissertation, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Meaning of the Preposition) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the New Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 68 70. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 135 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.0|AUTODETECT|” There are those who, in this connection, also mention the sparing of Isaac s life 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.0|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.17-58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ). ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.17-58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:17 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.19|AUTODETECT|” may offer some support for this idea. However, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 makes no reference to this incident. Its relevance at this point is therefore rather uncertain. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 136 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The reading $�� , with retention of $��, is subject to a considerable degree of doubt. It would seem to have a slight edge over the reading without $��. The verbal form is the acc. s. neut. perf. pass. participle of ��, to put to death; in pass., as here, to be impotent, as good as dead. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 137 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 A. Schlatter, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Gottes Gerechtigkeit, Ein Kommentar zum R�merbrief) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Stuttgart, 1952, p. 173. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref35” 138 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On this debate with respect to the meaning of �� I have not been able to find anything better than that which is offered by S. Greijdanus, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 251, 252; and by Ridderbos, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 104. Both of these are excellent. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 9 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref36” 139 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” In fact, in the LXX version of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the very expression deliver in the sense of deliver up to death occurs twice (verses 6 and 12). Translated into English, verse 6 in the LXX reads, And the Lord delivered him up for our sins. Verse 12 reads, And on account of their sins he was delivered up. But in that verse the Hebrew reads differently, And he made intercession for the transgressors. )

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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New Testament

MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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