Time after Pentecost · Proper 5 · Year A
Romans 4:13-25
Abraham Justified by Faith
June 7, 2026
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 Lutheran lectionary voice on Abraham as the model of faith in God's promise.
Romans 4 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse study of Abraham believing God against hope.
Romans 4:13 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on the promise received through faith.
Romans 4:13-25 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed verse by verse study notes on Romans 4:13-25.
Barnes' Notes: Romans 4 StudyLight
A historic verse by verse commentary on the passage.
Background & Word Study
Romans - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary overview of the letter to the Romans.
Book of Romans Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the letter's argument that righteousness comes by faith.
Romans 4:13 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word of the promise through the righteousness of faith.
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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