Romans 4:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 4:17
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Chapter Context
Romans 4 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, judgment, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 4:17
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Analysis
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Paul quotes Genesis 17:5, but in its original context, this statement was made after circumcision. Paul's point is that the promise itself defines Abraham's role regardless of circumcision's timing—God declared Abraham father of pollōn ethnōn (πολλῶν ἐθνῶν, "many nations"), not just Israel. The parenthetical nature of this clause suggests the promise's fulfillment is now evident in the multi-ethnic church.
Paul then describes the God Abraham believed: tou zōopoiountos tous nekrous (τοῦ ζωοποιοῦντος τοὺς νεκρούς, "the one giving life to the dead") and kalountos ta mē onta hōs onta (καλοῦντος τὰ μὴ ὄντα ὡς ὄντα, "calling the things not being as being"). God's creative power is twofold: resurrection life and creatio ex nihilo. Abraham's faith was in God's ability to create Isaac from his deadness and Sarah's barrenness, and ultimately to raise the dead. This same resurrection power justifies sinners (v. 24-25), making this description programmatic.
Historical Context
The phrase 'father of many nations' would have been understood messianically in Second Temple Judaism, pointing to God's universal reign. Paul shows its fulfillment in the gospel going to the Gentiles. The characterization of God as life-giving and creative echoes Genesis 1 and anticipates Romans 8's new creation theology. Abraham's faith in God's resurrection power makes him the model for Christian faith in Christ's resurrection.
Reflection
- How does Genesis 17:5's 'father of many nations' prove Paul's point about Abraham fathering both Jewish and Gentile believers?
- Why does Paul emphasize God's power to give life to the dead and call into existence things that don't exist?
- How is Abraham's faith in God's creative and resurrection power a model for saving faith in Christ today?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 3:29, John 5:25, 1 Corinthians 1:28, 1 Peter 2:10
- Parallel theme: Romans 8:11, Isaiah 48:13, 55:12, John 5:21, 6:63, Hebrews 11:12