What is the meaning of Romans 4:10? In what context was it credited? “In what context was it credited?” (Romans 4:10) points back to the moment God declared Abraham righteous. That moment is recorded in Genesis 15:6—“Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Paul already quoted it in Romans 4:3 and Galatians 3:6, so he now invites us to look at the setting: • Genesis 15 comes well before any command to circumcise (Genesis 17). • Nothing but faith is mentioned; Abraham simply trusts God’s promise about descendants as numerous as the stars. • The crediting of righteousness is presented as a divine accounting act—God reckons Abraham righteous on the basis of faith alone. Paul’s question highlights that salvation’s foundation is God’s grace responding to faith, not human ritual or law-keeping. Was it after his circumcision, Paul continues, “Was it after his circumcision…” to test any assumption that the physical sign had a role in earning righteousness. Looking at Genesis 17:9-14 and 17:23-24: • Circumcision is instituted at least thirteen years after Genesis 15 (cf. Genesis 16:16; 17:1). • Abraham is ninety-nine when he receives the sign (Genesis 17:24). • The rite is given as a covenant sign, not a means of justification (Romans 4:11). So, if someone claims righteousness depends on circumcision, the timeline immediately refutes it. or before? Paul presses the point: “or before?” The answer is obvious from the narrative: • The crediting of righteousness precedes any work, ceremony, or law (Romans 4:4-5). • Abraham’s uncircumcised state makes him the prototype for Gentile believers (Romans 4:12; Galatians 3:8-9). • The promise was granted “while he was still uncircumcised” (Romans 4:11), showing faith alone is sufficient. It was not after, but before. Paul’s verdict: “It was not after, but before.” Theologically, this settles several truths: • Circumcision is a “seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised” (Romans 4:11). The seal attests to something already possessed. • Salvation is by grace through faith, “not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9), so no one can boast. • Abraham becomes “the father of all who believe without being circumcised” and also of the circumcised who share his faith (Romans 4:11-12). • External rituals, whether ancient circumcision or modern ordinances, testify to faith; they do not produce it (Acts 15:7-11). For every believer, the order matters: faith first, righteousness credited, then outward signs follow. summary Romans 4:10 dismantles any claim that ritual secures righteousness. By pointing to the timeline of Abraham’s life, Paul shows that God credited righteousness solely on the basis of faith long before circumcision existed. This confirms that salvation rests on grace through faith alone, opening the door equally to Jew and Gentile and making Abraham the spiritual father of all who trust God as he did. |
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