What does Romans 4:10 reveal about Abraham's righteousness before circumcision? Romans 4:10 “How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.” Immediate Literary Context Paul is arguing from Genesis 15:6 that Abraham’s faith was “credited to him as righteousness.” In Romans 4:1-12 he demonstrates that the crediting occurred before any ritual or work—circumcision included—so that Abraham becomes the prototype of justification apart from works for both Jew and Gentile. Chronological Sequence Genesis 15 (c. 2082 BC on a Ussher-style timeline) records Abram’s belief. Genesis 17 (approximately fourteen years later, when Ishmael is thirteen) institutes circumcision. Romans 4:10 simply notes that the divine “crediting” took place in the earlier event, historically fixing justification before the rite. Covenantal Implications Abraham’s pre-circumcision righteousness grounds the New Covenant promise that Gentiles are grafted in on identical terms (cf. Galatians 3:8-14). The Abrahamic covenant thus anticipates the global scope of the gospel. Harmony with James 2 James cites the later Genesis 22 event (“faith was perfected by works”) to show evidence, not cause, of justification. Romans 4:10 addresses the moment of imputation; James addresses the demonstration. Sequence resolves the supposed tension. Archaeological and Cultural Corroboration Nuzi and Mari tablets (18th–15th century BC) reflect societal customs parallel to Genesis—patriarchal adoption contracts, bride-price arrangements, and land transactions—substantiating the plausibility of the Abraham narratives. These finds strengthen the historical confidence that the timeline Paul presumes is not myth but rooted in authentic cultural milieu. Evangelistic Application Because Abraham was declared righteous as an uncircumcised man, any hearer—regardless of background, ritual, or moral résumé—may likewise be justified today by trusting the risen Christ. The pattern is ancient; the invitation is immediate. Answer to Typical Objections • “Doesn’t ritual obedience matter?” Yes, but as fruit, not root (Romans 4:11–12). • “Is faith a work?” No; it is the empty hand receiving a credited righteousness (Romans 4:5). • “Is Paul inventing a new doctrine?” Contemporary Second Temple literature (e.g., 1 Maccabees 2:52) already linked Abraham’s faith and righteousness; Paul merely underscores the pre-circumcision timing. Summary Romans 4:10 reveals that Abraham’s righteousness was adjudicated prior to circumcision, proving that justification rests solely on faith, that ritual observance follows as a seal, and that the way of salvation is universally accessible. |
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