Romans 4:1-3 (ESV) What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather
according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something
to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham
believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
We see
that chapter 4 is a continuation of chapter 3, as the apostle brings up THE
patriarch of the Jewish faith as the test or proof of his point that the works
of man play no part in the redemption of sinners. The question to the Jews is
intended to provoke a response – of course Abraham gained right standing with
YHWH! Paul identifies with the Jews, observing that Abraham is their – the
Jews’ – forefather according to the flesh. This phrase represents a critical
idea. Recall that in his greeting, Paul refers to David as Christ Jesus’ father
according to the flesh (Rom 1:3). He will develop this further in this epistle,
in addition to the word “father.” He leaves that phrase hanging – I wonder if
his audience caught the parallel with David and Jesus. As it is, no doubt the
Jews readily agreed with Paul’s statement – they will soon find out the
limitations of this fleshly relationship.
Building
on the implied agreement that Abraham had right standing with God, the apostle
asks how it came about. Was it by works he had done? If so, Abraham would have
something to boast about. And this was the practice of the Jewish leaders in
this day. Recall Matt 6, where Jesus talks about those who love attention when
give money or pray. These people did their religious works and believed they
had something to boast about, to make a public display of themselves. Not too
far different, in my opinion, from how the so-called priests of Rome parade up
and down the streets with the communion cracker in a fancy box mounted on top
an ornate pole as ignorant and superstitious people pay homage.
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