“How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised.”
Introduction
In Romans 4, the apostle Paul centers on the saving power of faith apart from works. In this brief but piercing question about Abraham, he invites readers to see how righteousness was reckoned to him. Romans 4:10 asks us to consider the timing of God’s counting of righteousness and to recognize that blessing is given through faith, not earned by outward works or ceremonies. This verse invites humility before God and trust in His gracious initiative.
Historical-Cultural Context and Authorship
Paul writes to a Roman church made up of Jewish and Gentile believers who were wrestling with the relationship between Abraham’s faith and the Mosaic law. In Jewish tradition, circumcision marked entrance into the covenant (Genesis 17). Paul’s argument here emphasizes that Abraham’s righteous standing came before the sign of circumcision, illustrating that faith precedes the outward ritual and that righteousness is a blessing given to all who believe. The broader argument is that God’s promise to Abraham is fulfilled through faith, uniting Jew and Gentile in one family of faith under Christ.
Characters and Places
- Abraham: the exemplary patriarch whose righteousness was credited to him by faith.
- The readers in Rome: early Christians from diverse backgrounds contemplating how God’s promises apply to them.
- Circumcision: the outward sign of the covenant for the Jewish people, central to questions about how righteousness is counted.
(No specific geographic locations are named in this verse, but the broader context centers on the land and lineage promised to Abraham.)
Explanation and Meaning of the Text
The verse asks, How was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. Paul then clarifies that Abraham’s righteousness was credited to him prior to the covenant sign of circumcision. This establishes a foundational claim: God reckons righteousness by faith, not by legalistic acts or ritual observances. If Abraham—forefather of the people of Israel and of all who believe—was counted righteous before circumcision, then the basis for justification expands beyond ethnic or ceremonial lines. The principle is clear: faith precedes works, and God’s gracious declaration of righteousness comes to those who trust Him, regardless of their adherence to ceremonial rites. This also foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s blessing, since they share in the same faith that Abraham had.
Devotional
In this verse, I hear the gentleness of God’s timing. He counts us righteous not because we perform, but because we trust. Today, pause to welcome God’s mercy into the simplest act of faith—believing that Jesus is Lord and that His grace covers us. Let your heart rest in the assurance that righteousness is a gift given by faith, not earned by what you do or do not do.
May the truth of Abraham’s prior receive-and-believe blessing strengthen your steps this week. When doubt arises about your own sufficiency, return to the foundational call to trust God’s promise, and live out your faith in love toward God and neighbor.