Using Abraham as the paradigmatic example, Paul demonstrates that justification by faith antedates the Mosaic law and even circumcision, since Abraham was reckoned righteous while yet uncircumcised. The imputation of righteousness to Abraham and to David (who spoke of blessedness apart from works) establishes the pattern for all believers, with Abraham serving as the father of all who believe, whether circumcised or uncircumcised.
Read Romans Chapter 4 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
Position in Book
IntroductionChapters 1:1-17
Greeting, desire to visit, gospel summary.
Sin's ProblemChapters 1:18-3:20
JustificationChapters 3:21-5:21
Righteousness by faith, Abraham's example, Adam and Christ.
SanctificationChapters 6-8
Israel's FutureChapters 9-11
Christian LivingChapters 12-16
Bible Bites
Paul Wrote Romans from Corinth
Paul wrote his longest epistle to the Romans from the city of Corinth around AD 57 during his third missionary journey. He had never visited Rome when he wrote this comprehensive theological treatise.
RomansThe scribe breaks the fourth wall
Paul dictated Romans to a scribe. Near the end, that scribe suddenly speaks up in his own voice: 'I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord' (Romans 16:22). A brief, human 'fourth-wall' moment slipped right into Scripture.
Romans 16:22