Romans 4:11-12
What is written? (ESV)
He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
What does it say?
He (Abraham) received circumcision as a sign and seal of the righteousness he had by faith while still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all that believe without being circumcised so they too would be counted as righteous. This made Abraham the father of the circumcised (Jews) who are not merely circumcised (in the flesh), but who also walk in the same faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
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.
How Romans 4:11-12 is applied across Bible answers
How are works defined in the Bible?
Abraham was faithful or righteous before he was circumcised. Therefore, his circumcision didn't make him righteous, but rather it was evidence or a result of his faithfulness (e.g. "a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith").
What is God’s seal?
Paul is reaching back to the "seal" that was established between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11).
A seal testifying to Abraham's righteousness, but also all those that are "circumcised with a circumcision made without hands" (Colossians 2:11-12).
