Introduction to Romans 4:1–25: Abraham as the Scripture proof of justification by faith

Says Romans 4 turns to Abraham: "What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered?" (4:1, BSB). Its text is Gen 15:6, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (4:3, BSB), which returns in 4:9, 4:22, and 4:23. The chapter ends with those "who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" (4:24, BSB).

Implies Romans 4 is the Scripture proof of 3:21–31. The righteousness of God was revealed "as attested by the Law and the Prophets" (3:21, BSB), and faith upholds the law (3:31; note.exegetical.Rom.3.27-Rom.3.31.boasting-excluded). Abraham, from the Law, and David, from the Psalms, show that God credits righteousness apart from works (4:1–8), before and apart from circumcision (4:9–12), and by promise, not by law (4:13–17). Abraham's faith is the pattern for those who believe in the God who raised Jesus (4:18–25).

Structure. 4:1–8: Abraham and David, credited apart from works, with a doctrinal note on crediting (4:3–8). 4:9–12: credited before circumcision. 4:13–17: the promise through faith, and Abraham as heir of the world. 4:18–22: Abraham's faith. 4:23–25: written for us.

Background. The historical notes treat Abraham in Second Temple writings (note.historical.Rom.4.1-Rom.4.25.abraham-second-temple), circumcision as sign and seal (note.historical.Rom.4.1-Rom.4.25.circumcision-seal), Jewish creation language (note.historical.Rom.4.1-Rom.4.25.creation-from-nothing), and Sarah's barrenness (note.historical.Rom.4.1-Rom.4.25.sarah-barrenness).