Romans 4:1-3
What is written? (ESV)
What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
What does it say?
What should we conclude about what Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, gained? If it was by his deed he was justified, then he could boast, but not approved by God. But we know the Scripture says that Abraham had faith in God, and it was this by which he was considered righteous (before God).
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s argument begins back in 2:27-29 – making the point that obedience comes from the heart (inward), not from some outward symbol or act. He introduces Abraham and the fact that he was circumcised as an example. Here, Paul quotes Genesis 15:6, and further develops and explains this throughout the rest of the chapter (vss 9, 22). This is also quoted two other times in the New Testament in Galatians 3:6 and James 2:23.
How Romans 4:1-3 is applied across Bible answers
How are works defined in the Bible?
Abraham's work in the flesh [being circumcised] isn't what justified him before God. Rather, it was his faith, which he points out further in the text.2 While Abraham's "work" isn't what justified him (lest "he has something to boast about"), it did show or prove his faith (James' point7).
