Romans 4:24
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 4:24
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Chapter Context
Romans 4 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, righteousness, holiness. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 4:24
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Analysis
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Paul makes the explicit connection: the imputation declared over Abraham extends alla kai di' hēmas (ἀλλὰ καὶ δι' ἡμᾶς, "but also because of us"). The relative clause hois mellei logizesthai (οἷς μέλλει λογίζεσθαι, "to whom it is about to be reckoned") uses the future tense, pointing to eschatological justification at the final judgment—though for believers this is certain. The condition: pisteuousin epi ton egeiranta Iēsoun (πιστεύουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν, "believing upon the one who raised Jesus").
Notice the parallel: Abraham believed God who gives life to the dead (v. 17); we believe God who raised Jesus from the dead. The impossible birth of Isaac from the dead womb typologically points to the resurrection of Christ from the tomb. Abraham's faith in God's life-creating power prefigures Christian faith in God's resurrection power. Both trust God to bring life from death, promise from impossibility. Ton kyrion hēmōn (τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν, "our Lord") identifies Jesus as sovereign—Thomas's confession in John 20:28, the earliest Christian creed.
Historical Context
In the first century, resurrection was the ultimate impossibility—'once dead, always dead' was philosophical consensus. The claim that God raised Jesus was as scandalous and impossible-sounding as the claim that Abraham and Sarah would have a child in their nineties. Paul presents resurrection faith as the Christian equivalent to Abrahamic faith—trusting God to do what nature declares impossible, based on His promise and power.
Reflection
- How is Abraham's faith in God giving life to Sarah's dead womb parallel to Christian faith in Jesus's resurrection?
- Why does Paul emphasize believing in 'God who raised Jesus' rather than just 'believing in Jesus'?
- What does it reveal about justifying faith that it centers on resurrection—life from death—rather than moral improvement?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Acts 2:24, 13:30
- Faith: 1 Peter 1:21