Romans – Chapter 4

New Testament25 Verses

Chapter Summary

"What shall we say then that Abraham hath found, who is our father according to the flesh?" — so begins Romans 4. The chapter centers on Abraham, David and Sarah. Across its 25 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and faith and trust in God. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1What shall we say then that Abraham hath found, who is our father according to the flesh?

2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God.

3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God: and it was reputed to him unto justice.

4Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace but according to debt.

5But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.

6As David also termeth the blessedness of a man to whom God reputeth justice without works:

7Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven: and whose sins are covered.

8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin.

9This blessedness then, doth it remain in the circumcision only or in the uncircumcision also? For we say that unto Abraham faith was reputed to justice.

10How then was it reputed? When he was in circumcision or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the justice of the faith which he had, being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, being uncircumcised: that unto them also it may be reputed to justice:

12And he might be the father of circumcision; not to them only that are of the circumcision, but to them also that follow the steps of the faith that is in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

13For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world: but through the justice of faith.

14For if they who are of the law be heirs, faith is made void: the promise is made of no effect.

15For the law worketh wrath. For where there is no law, neither is there transgression.

16Therefore is it of faith, that according to grace the promise might be firm to all the seed: not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

17(As it is written: I have made thee a father of many nations), before God, whom he believed: who quickeneth the dead and calleth those things that are not, as those that are.

18Who against hope believed in hope; that he might be made the father of many nations, according to that which was said to him: So shall thy seed be.

19And he was not weak in faith. Neither did he consider his own body, now dead (whereas he was almost an hundred years old), nor the dead womb of Sara.

20In the promise also of God he staggered not by distrust: but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God:

21Most fully knowing that whatsoever he has promised, he is able also to perform.

22And therefore it was reputed to him unto justice.

23Now it is not written only for him. that it was reputed to him unto justice,

24But also for us, to whom it shall be reputed, if we believe in him that raised up Jesus Christ, our Lord, from the dead,

25Who was delivered up for our sins and rose again for our justification.

Important Verses in Romans 4

But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.

Romans 4:5

This blessedness then, doth it remain in the circumcision only or in the uncircumcision also? For we say that unto Abraham faith was reputed to justice.

Romans 4:9

Therefore is it of faith, that according to grace the promise might be firm to all the seed: not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

Romans 4:16

In the promise also of God he staggered not by distrust: but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God:

Romans 4:20

Historical Context

Romans addresses the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 4 of 16 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 25 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Abraham, David and Sarah appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "What shall we say then that Abraham hath found, who is our father according to the flesh?" The chapter ends with: "Who was delivered up for our sins and rose again for our justification. " In terms of historical background, Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 5: "But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2632). Here, Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Romans 4 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Abraham7 mentionsDavid1 mentionSarah1 mention

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Romans Chapter 4 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Thomas Aquinas and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The passage calls believers to grasp that Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2340) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 4 about?

Romans 4 contains 25 verses. It opens with "What shall we say then that Abraham hath found, who is our father according to the flesh?" and closes with "Who was delivered up for our sins and rose again for our justification. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 5: "But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Romans Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions Abraham, David, Sarah.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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