What does Romans 4:10 mean?

Explanation

Romans 4:10 poses a question about the timing of God's justification of Abraham. Paul is discussing whether the righteousness that was imputed to Abraham came while he was circumcised or before he was circumcised.

The verse reads, "How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision." In a literal sense, Paul is simply asking if Abraham was considered righteous before or after he was circumcised.

The deeper meaning of this verse is tied to the debate about the relationship between faith and the Jewish law.

By pointing out that Abraham was deemed righteous before his circumcision, Paul is demonstrating that it is faith, not adherence to the law, that justifies one before God.

This is a core argument in Paul's epistles that stresses the importance of faith in Jesus Christ above the observance of Jewish customs and the Law of Moses for salvation.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 56-58, which was a tumultuous time in terms of the relationship between Jews and Gentile converts to Christianity.

The early church grappled with whether or not Gentiles needed to follow Jewish customs, such as circumcision, to be fully accepted as Christians.

Paul uses the figure of Abraham to show that God's promise comes through faith and not through the Law.

Abraham is a patriarch and a key figure in Judaism; thus, his example would have been especially persuasive to both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

Paul's point is that since Abraham was counted as righteous due to faith before the rite of circumcision was given, righteousness through faith is available to both Jews and Gentiles alike.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints revolve around the notion of justification by faith alone (sola fide) vs. justification by works or adherence to the law.

The Roman Catholic tradition emphasizes the importance of both faith and works, suggesting that while faith is central, works are also a necessary manifestation of that faith.

On the other hand, Reformed traditions typically emphasize that Paul's teaching in Romans clearly states that faith alone is the basis of justification, as exemplified in Abraham's experience.

Eastern Orthodoxy would also concur that Abraham was justified by faith, yet would articulate the understanding that faith and works are not in contradiction but that true faith is inherently active in love and good works.

Practical Applications

This verse supports the idea that one's standing before God is not dependent on external ceremonies or the following of religious law but is grounded in faith.

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to focus on developing a personal relationship with God through faith, rather than merely adhering to religious rituals.

Additionally, the emphasis on faith over particular cultural or religious customs can promote inclusivity within the Christian community.

Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 - "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."
• Romans 4:9 - "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness."
• Galatians 3:6-7 - "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text for this verse include "reckoned" (λογίζομαι, logizomai), which means to count or consider, and "uncircumcision" (ἀκροβυστίᾳ, akrobystia), which contrasts with "circumcision" (περιτομῇ, peritome).

By focusing on these terms, Paul is making a differentiation between two states: one is a physical mark of being part of the covenant (circumcision), and the other is the state before such a mark is received (uncircumcision).

The crux lies in the significance of being "reckoned" righteous apart from this physical sign.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Among ancient religious traditions, circumcision was not unique to the Hebrews; it was practiced in various forms across different cultures.

However, the Abrahamic covenant gave it a unique significance in Judaism.

Comparing this to other ancient practices, becoming part of a religious or societal community often required specific rites of passage or adherence to cultural laws.

Paul's argument that faith surpasses these cultural boundaries was groundbreaking in a religious context that typically tied God’s approval to cultural observance.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives would view circumcision as a medical procedure with potential health implications rather than a religious rite.

From a scientific standpoint, the emphasis on faith over physical rites in Romans 4:10 aligns with an understanding that moral and spiritual standing is not based on physical alterations of the body.

Commentaries

In commentaries on this verse, scholars like John Stott and N.T.

Wright have noted the radical nature of Paul’s argument.

They emphasize that Paul's point about Abraham's faith being credited to him as righteousness before circumcision was a move to show that God's covenant is inclusive and based on faith, not on Jewish identity or law-keeping.

This interpretation underscores that salvation in Christ is open to all, regardless of cultural or religious practices.