Lenten Season · Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary · Year B
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Abraham Justified by Faith
March 20, 2027
Overview & Insights
“In hope he believed against hope… fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18, 21)
The general context of Romans 4 is that it continues the discussion of 3:27–31: the latter states that justification is by faith, while the former illustrates that principle from the life of Abraham. We may correlate these two passages in this way: 1. Justification is by faith (3:27–28; 4:1–8) 2. Justification by faith is for Jews and Gentiles (3:29–30; 4:9–17) More specifically, Romans 4:1–8 unfolds the first two of Paul’s arguments that Abraham was accepted by God by faith: 1. Theological argument (4:1–5) a. Negatively, Abraham had no merit before God (4:1–2) b. Positively, Abraham was reckoned righteous by God’s grace (4:3–5) 2. Hermeneutical argument—gezerah shawah (4:6–8) a. Genesis 15:6 (4:6 [cf. 4:3, 5]) b. Psalm 32:1–2 (4:7–8)
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Commentary
Commentary on Romans 4:13-25 Working Preacher
The RCL Lent 2 page on Abraham's faith reckoned to him as righteousness.
Romans 4:13-25 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed reading of the promise received by grace through faith, not law.
Romans 4 Commentary: Abraham and David Demonstrate Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse on Abraham as the pattern of justification by faith.
Romans Commentaries & Sermons Precept Austin
An exhaustive collection of study links and sermons on Romans 4.
Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary Agape Bible Study
Catholic notes on Abraham as father of all who share his faith, read for this feast.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
How is Abraham the father of faith?
Against all hope Abraham trusted God's promise, and it was counted to him as righteousness; the same faith is reckoned to us who believe in the God who raised Jesus.
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