Romans 4:1-5,Romans 4:13-17,John 3:16,John 3:1-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:1-25

Abraham's faith. We have already seen how the apostle has prepared the way for the great doctrine of justification by faith. He showed in the first two chapters that man has no righteousness of his own, that he could not justify himself, but, on the contrary, that both Jew and Gentile are all under sin. "There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Now, in this fourth chapter, he shows that this great fact—the necessity for justification by faith—has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:1-25

Abraham justified by faith alone. We have just seen in last chapter the utility of Judaism, the universal depravity of the race, the new channel for Divine righteousness which had consequently to be found, and the confirmation of law which is secured by faith. The apostle in the present chapter illustrates his argument from the history of Abraham. He was reckoned by the Jews as "father of the faithful;" his case is, therefore, a crucial one. Accordingly, Paul begins by asking, "What shall... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:2

For if Abraham was justified by works, be hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Many commentators take this verse to imply that, even if he was justified by works, he still had no ground of glorying before God, though he might have before men. But the drift of the whole argument being to show that he was not justified by works at all, this interpretation can hardly stand. "Not before God" must therefore have reference to the whole of the preceding sentence, in the sense, "It was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:3

For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned Unto him for righteousness. This notable text ( Genesis 15:6 ), declaring the ground of Abraham's acceptance, is similarly quoted in the cognate passage, Galatians 3:6 . It has a peculiar cogency in the general argument from being in connection with, and with reference to, one of the Divine promises to Abraham of an unnumbered seed; so that it may be understood with an extended application to those who were to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:4-5

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt (literally, according to grace, but according to the debt, i.e. according to what is due). But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness . The expression, "him that worketh" ( τῷ ἐργαζομένῳ ), evidently means him that works with a view to a reward which he can claim; or, as Luther explains it, "one who deals in works;" or, as we might... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:1

What shall we say then? - See Romans 3:1. This is rather the objection of a Jew. “How does your doctrine of justification by faith agree with what the Scriptures say of Abraham? Was the Law set aside in his case? Did he derive no advantage in justification from the rite of circumcision, and from the covenant which God made with him?” The object of the apostle now is to answer this inquiry.That Abraham our father - Our ancestor; the father and founder of the nation; see the note at Matthew 3:9... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:2

For if Abraham ... - This is the answer of the apostle. If Abraham was justified on the ground of his own merits, he would have reason to boast, or to claim praise. He might regard himself as the author of it, and take the praise to himself; see Romans 4:4. The inquiry, therefore, was, whether in the account of the justification of Abraham, there was to be found any such statement of a reason for self-confidence and boasting.But not before God - In the sight of God. That is, in his recorded... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:3

For what saith the Scripture? - The inspired account of Abraham’s justification. This account was final, and was to settle the question. This account is found in Genesis 15:6.Abraham believed God - In the Hebrew, “Abraham believed Yahweh.” The sense is substantially the same, as the argument turns on the act of believing. The faith which Abraham exercised was, that his posterity should be like the stars of heaven in number. This promise was made to him when he had no child, and of course when... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:4

Now to him that worketh ... - This passage is not to be understood as affirming that any actually have worked out their salvation by conformity to the Law so as to be saved by their own merits; but it expresses a general truth in regard to works. On that plan, if a man were justified by his works, it would be a matter due to him. It is a general principle in regard to contracts and obligations, that where a man fulfils them he is entitled to the reward as what is due to him, and which he can... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not - Who does not rely on his conformity to the Law for his justification; who does not depend on his works; who seeks to be justified in some other way. The reference here is to the Christian plan of justification.But believeth - Note, Romans 3:26.On him - On God. Thus, the connection requires; for the discussion has immediate reference to Abraham, whose faith was in the promise of God.That justifieth the ungodly - This is a very important expression. It implies,(1)... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:1-25

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:1-25

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:4-5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:5

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