Romans 4:1 Meaning and Explanation
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul turns to Abraham, the great forefather, to test his claim that righteousness comes by faith rather than by human achievement.
What Does Romans 4:1 Mean?
Having argued that no one is set right with God by keeping the law, Paul now reaches for the strongest possible example. Abraham was the father of the covenant people, the man God called and blessed above all others. If anyone could claim standing before God by his own effort, it would be him.
So Paul poses the question plainly: what did Abraham discover about being made right with God? The phrase 'as pertaining to the flesh' points to human striving and natural descent. The answer Paul is about to give will reframe everything: even Abraham's acceptance rested not on what he achieved but on his trust in God. The pattern set in the patriarch becomes the pattern offered to all who believe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 4:1
What does Romans 4:1 mean?
Paul turns to Abraham, the great forefather, to test his claim that righteousness comes by faith rather than by human achievement.