Romans 4:2-5 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 4:1-8

Here the apostle proves that Abraham was justified not by works, but by faith. Those that of all men contended most vigorously for a share in righteousness by the privileges they enjoyed, and the works they performed, were the Jews, and therefore he appeals to the case of Abraham their father, and puts his own name to the relation, being a Hebrew of the Hebrews: Abraham our father. Now surely his prerogative must needs be as great as theirs who claim it as his seed according to the flesh. Now... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 4:1-8

4:1-8 What, then, shall we say that Abraham, our forefather from whom we take our human descent, found? If Abraham entered into a right relationship with God by means of work, he has some ground for boasting--but not in regard to God. For what does scripture say? "Abraham trusted in God and it was accounted to him for righteousness." The man who works does not receive his pay as a favour; he receives it as a debt due to him. But, as for the man who does not depend on work, but who trusts in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:2

For if Abraham were justified by works ,.... That Abraham was not, and could not be justified by works, is clear from hence, that if this was his case, he hath whereof to glory ; which will be allowed him before men, on account of his pious life and conversation: but not before God ; who saw all the iniquity of his heart, and was privy to all his failings and infirmities: besides, glorying before God in a man's own works, is contrary to the scheme and method of God's grace; is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:3

For what saith the Scripture ?.... This answers to דכתיב מאי , "what is that which is written" F3 T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 5. 1. & 15. 2. & passim. ? or what does the Scripture say? which is a way of speaking used by the Jews, when anything is proposed, which seems contrary to Scripture, as here justification by works does. A testimony from Scripture is here produced, proving that Abraham was justified by faith, and not by works: the place referred to is Genesis 15:6 ; ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:4

Now to him that worketh ,.... The apostle illustrates the former case by two sorts of persons in this and the next verse, who have different things accounted to them, and in a different manner. The one is represented as working, the other not. By the worker is meant, not one that works from, and upon principles of grace. The regenerate man is disposed to work for God; the man that has the Spirit of God is capable of working; he that has the grace of Christ, and strength from him, can work... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not ,.... Not that the believer does not work at all, but not from such principles, and with such views as the other; he does not work in order to obtain life and salvation; he does not seek for justification by his doings: but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly : or that ungodly one: particular reference is had to Abraham, who in his state of unregeneracy was an ungodly person; as all God's elect are in a state of nature, and are such when God justifies... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:2

For if Abraham were justified by works - The Jew proceeds: - I conclude, therefore, that Abraham was justified by works, or by his obedience to this law of circumcision; and, consequently, he has cause for glorying, καυχημα , to exult in something which he has done to entitle him to these blessings. Now, it is evident that he has this glorying, and consequently that he was justified by works. Apostle. But not before God - These seem to be the apostle's words, and contain the beginning... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:3

For, what saith the Scripture? - The Scriptural account of this transaction, Genesis 15:6 , is decisive; for there it is said, Abraham believed God, and it was counted, ελογισθη , it was reckoned to him for righteousness, εις δικαιοσυνην , for justification. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:4

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt - Therefore, if Abraham had been justified by works, the blessings he received would have been given to him as a reward for those works, and consequently his believing could have had no part in his justification, and his faith would have been useless. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not - Which was the case with Abraham, for he was called when he was ungodly, i.e. an idolater; and, on his believing, was freely justified: and, as all men have sinned, none can be justified by works; and, therefore, justification, if it take place at all, must take place in behalf of the ungodly, forasmuch as all mankind are such. Now, as Abraham's state and mode in which he was justified, are the plan and rule according to which God purposes to save men; and as his... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 4:1-8

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 4:1-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 4:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 4:5

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