Romans 4:13-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:1-25

Abraham justified by faith alone. We have just seen in last chapter the utility of Judaism, the universal depravity of the race, the new channel for Divine righteousness which had consequently to be found, and the confirmation of law which is secured by faith. The apostle in the present chapter illustrates his argument from the history of Abraham. He was reckoned by the Jews as "father of the faithful;" his case is, therefore, a crucial one. Accordingly, Paul begins by asking, "What shall... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:9-22

All things are of faith. The position is now established that righteousness is through faith. But, they might say, through the faith of a circumcised man; and the promise of the inheritance was through the Law; and surely the posterity of Abraham came according to the flesh. He answers—Righteousness, heritage, posterity, by faith alone. I. RIGHTEOUSNESS . 1. The righteousness of faith without circumcision. In Gem 15. we have the record of Abraham's justification; the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 4:13-15

For not through law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be the heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith, For if they which are of law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect. For the Law worketh wrath: for where no law is, neither is there transgression . The point of the argument is that the principle of law is essentially different from that on which Abraham was justified, and which is hence to be understood in the fulfilment... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:13

For the promise ... - To show that the faith of Abraham, on which his justification depended, was not by the Law, the apostle proceeds to show that the promise concerning which his faith was so remarkably evinced was before the Law was given. If this was so, then it was an additional important consideration in opposition to the Jew, showing that acceptance with God depended on faith, and not on works.That he should be heir of the world - An heir is one who succeeds, or is to succeed to an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 4:14

For if they which are of the law - Who seek for justification and acceptance by the Law.Faith is made void - Faith would have no place in the scheme; and consequently the strong commendations bestowed on the faith of Abraham, would be bestowed without any just cause. If people are justified by the Law, they cannot be by faith, and faith would be useless in this work.And the promise ... - A promise looks to the future. Its design and tendency is to excite trust and confidence in him who makes... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 4:1-25

Some examples (4:1-25)To illustrate what he has just been teaching, Paul refers to the example of Abraham. Abraham was justified because of his faith, not because of any good deeds that he did (4:1-3). (To understand the illustrations concerning Abraham that follow, read Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 16:1-16; Genesis 17:15-22; Genesis 18:1-15; Genesis 21:1-21.)Righteousness is a gift received by faith, not payment for work that a person does (4-5). David, as well as Abraham, knew that... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 4:13

For, &c . The Greek reads, "For not through law was the promise. "Compare Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:18 . heir . Compare Galatians 1:3 , Gal 1:29 and Hebrews 11:8-10 . world . App-129 . through . App-104 .Romans 4:1 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 4:14

the . Omit. is made void = Literally has been emptied. Greek. kenoo. Elsewhere, 1 Corinthians 1:17 ; 1Co 9:15 . 2 Corinthians 9:3 .Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:7 . made of none effect . Greek. katargeo. See Romans 3:3 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 4:13

For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.The law ... is here a reference to Moses' law; but, since that was the best ever given, it includes, by extension, every other kind of legal system.The promise ... is the new element under consideration in this verse. Previously, in this chapter, Paul had shown that Abraham's righteousness had been reckoned unto him upon the basis of an obedient faith,... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 4:14

For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect: for the law worketh wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there transgression.This is a continuation of the reasoning of the previous verse. The worldwide inheritance promised to Abraham was destined to be fulfilled in the singular seed, Jesus Christ, as indicated in Psalms 2:7,8 and Hebrews 1:2. Whiteside noted:This promise of worldwide inheritance was not made to Abraham through the... read more

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