Exegetical Paper 2

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Dec 6, 2023

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Title: Exploring the Message of Romans 4: Faith and Righteousness Name: Patricia Young Introduction The fourth chapter of the Book of Romans holds a significant place within the larger context of this biblical letter. In this essay, I will analyze the author’s intended message to the original audience by examining the themes present in Romans 4, while keeping the theme of Abraham as the Grand Unifier in focus. I will also identity pertinent keywords that contribute to the overall message of the passage. I will conclude this short essay with a brief suggestion on how this message can be applied to the message of the Kingdom of God today. Message to the Original Audience The Book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, was addressed to the early Christian community in Rome. The primary purpose of this epistle was to provide a comprehensive explanation of the gospel message and its significance for both Jewish and Gentile believers. In Romans 4, Paul focuses on illustrating how Abraham’s faith serves as a model for attaining righteousness. Rome had a large Jewish population and according to James Dunn, “All is one of the really key words in Romans ….. The ‘all’ consistently means Jew as well as Gentile, Gentile as well as Jew. 1 This concept was very important for Paul to take up in this letter. The Jewish people had long regarded themselves as set apart from the Gentiles by God, and they regarded this separation as their duty to God. Keywords Keywords within Romans 4 contribute to the overall message of the passage. Here are some notable ones: 1 James D. G. Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle (Grand Rapids; Eerdmans, 1998), 372.

Faith: The term “faith is prevalent throughout Romans 4. Paul emphasizes the importance of faith in relation to righteousness. He highlights how Abraham believed in God’s promises, and this faith was credited to him as righteousness. By using Abraham as an exemplar, Paul encourages the Roman Christians to place their faith in Christ for salvation. Paul, holds up Abraham’s trust in God’s promise while still a Gentile as the sole basis of his righteousness before God. 2 Works: The concept of “works” appears in contrast to faith in Romans 4. Paul emphasizes that Abraham’s righteousness was not achieved through his own works or adherence to the law but through his faith in God. This challenges the Jewish Christians’ reliance on their adherence to the Mosaic Law for righteousness, emphasizing that salvation is offered through faith rather than human effort. Justification: The term “justification” is another critical keyword in Romans 4. Paul explains that justification comes through faith and not works. He emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith in Christ, highlighting the unifying power of the gospel message. Paul reassures his original audience that their standing before God is based on their faith and not on their obedience to the law. The blessing of justification begins with the forgiveness of sins (Rom 4:6-9). 3 Promise: The concept of God’s “promise” is central to Romans 4. Paul underscores the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, stating that he would be the father of many nations. Paul also ties this promise to the overarching promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In doing so, he highlights the continuity between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in the gospel. Overall Message 2 David A. deSilva. An Introfuction to the New Testament. Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation . 2 nd Edition p. 541-542. 3 Ibid., p. 543.

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