Romans 4:20-22
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Abraham's faith wasn't just passive belief; it was an active, strengthening force that gave glory to God precisely because it looked away from his own impossible circumstances and only at God's power to fulfill His word. This act of trust, in recognizing God's ability to do what seemed impossible, was itself an act of worship, honoring God's truth and might.
Paul is discussing Abraham's faith, contrasting it with the attempts of some to earn salvation through adherence to the Law. He emphasizes that Abraham's righteousness was credited to him based on his belief in God's promises, even when those promises seemed impossible based on natural circumstances. This faith wasn't passive assent but an active trust that honored God above all else.
What does it really mean to believe God? Abraham's story shows us it's more than just nodding your head in agreement.
Paul highlights that Abraham's faith wasn't a passive agreement with a divine statement. It was an active, unwavering trust – a deep-seated confidence that God could and would do what He promised.
Trust in Action
This trust moved Abraham beyond considering his own impossibly old body or Sarah's barrenness. He didn't let the obvious physical limitations dictate his belief. Instead, he fixed his gaze on God's promise itself.
The Opposite of Doubt
The verse uses the strong term 'staggered not' (or 'wavered not'). This points to a mental and emotional refusal to let doubt take root, even when circumstances screamed 'impossible!' It was a deliberate choice to lean into God's power.
How can simply believing something give glory to God? Abraham’s example reveals a profound connection between faith and honoring God.
The verse beautifully links Abraham's strength in faith to 'giving glory to God.' This wasn't necessarily about Abraham bursting into loud praise (though that can be part of it!). Instead, it was about his belief itself serving as a testament to God's character.
Honoring God's Truth
By believing God's promise, even when it defied natural explanation, Abraham declared God to be true. He affirmed God's faithfulness, His power, and His sovereignty. His trust acted like a seal, saying, 'I attest that God is true.'
A Reasonable Response
Paradoxically, this act of faith, which seemed extraordinary, was described as the most reasonable response to an all-powerful, all-truthful God. It honored God in a way that focusing on human limitations never could.
Understand the original words
apistia · Greek Noun
The state of lacking belief or a failure to trust in God's promises and character. It is portrayed as a refusal to align one's mind and heart with the truth of God's revealed word.
doxa · Greek Noun
The act of acknowledging and declaring the true character, holiness, and majesty of God. It involves a posture of total surrender and praise that recognizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness in every situation.
plērophorētheis · Greek Verb
Being completely certain or persuaded in one's mind, often implying an unshakable trust in God's reliability and power.
Theos · Greek Noun
The sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe, the only true object of saving faith.
This verse highlights Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promises, even when humanly impossible, as a model for believers. His trust wasn't in his own strength or circumstances, but in God's power and faithfulness, thereby honoring God.
c. 2166 BC
God's Promise to Abram
God first promises Abram a numerous offspring and a great nation, establishing a covenant relationship with him.
c. 2091 BC
Circumcision Instituted
God institutes circumcision as a sign of the covenant and commands Abram (now Abraham) and his household to be circumcised.
c. 2090 BC— this verse
Abraham's Age is 99, Sarah's is 89
Abraham is 99 years old and Sarah is 89 when God reaffirms the promise of a son, Isaac, to be born within the year.
c. 2089 BC
Birth of Isaac
Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah, fulfilling God's promise despite their advanced age and Sarah's previous barrenness.
c. 1877 BC
This is the foundational moment where Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, directly preceding the promise of numerous descendants and a future inheritance. It establishes the core principle of faith being counted as righteousness, which Romans 4 expounds upon.
Hebrews 11:11This passage highlights Sarah's faith in conceiving Isaac, linking it to Abraham's conviction. It shows that this unwavering belief in God's promises, even when physically impossible, was a shared characteristic within Abraham's household.
Joshua 1:9God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing that 'the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' This echoes the strength Abraham found in God's promise and presence, encouraging believers to trust God's power in the face of daunting challenges.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise assures God's people that He will strengthen them and uphold them with His righteous right hand. It resonates with Abraham's experience of being strengthened in faith by God, offering comfort and a basis for trust in current difficulties.
1 John 5:10This verse states that whoever believes in God has established God's truthfulness. Abraham's steadfast faith in God's promise directly honored God, affirming His truth and power, which is the essence of giving glory to God.
cambridgeRomans 4:20: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;"
20–21 . he staggered not , &c.] The Gr. suggests the paraphrase; “he looked away from his own physical state, only at the Promise, and did not doubt its terms—just because they were the Promise. So he rose in a great effort and exercise of faith, which consisted in giving glory to God (the ‘glory’ of absolute and adoring trust in Him as God); in being perfectly sure of His abili…
henryRomans 4:13-22: "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."
4:13-22 The promise was made to Abraham long before the law. It points at Christ, and it refers to the promise, Ge 12:3. In Thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. The law worketh wrath, by showing that every transgressor is exposed to the Divine displeasure. As God intended to give men a title to the promised blessings…
Abraham's faith wasn't just passive belief; it was an active, strengthening force that gave glory to God precisely because it looked away from his own impossible circumstances and only at God's power to fulfill His word. This act of trust, in recognizing God's ability to do what seemed impossible, was itself an act of worship, honoring God's truth and might.
Paul is discussing Abraham's faith, contrasting it with the attempts of some to earn salvation through adherence to the Law. He emphasizes that Abraham's righteousness was credited to him based on his belief in God's promises, even when those promises seemed impossible based on natural circumstances. This faith wasn't passive assent but an active trust that honored God above all else.
Paul is discussing Abraham's faith, contrasting it with the attempts of some to earn salvation through adherence to the Law. He emphasizes that Abraham's righteousness was credited to him based on his belief in God's promises, even when those promises seemed impossible based on natural circumstances. This faith wasn't passive assent but an active trust that honored God above all else.
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epēngeltai · Greek Verb
A formal declaration or covenantal pledge given by God, upon which the believer rests their hope and confidence.
pistis · Greek Noun
An active trust, reliance, or confident commitment of the heart to God and His word. It is the instrument through which grace is received.
elogisthē · Greek Verb
A term often used in accounting or legal contexts, meaning to credit, impute, or reckon something to someone's account. In theology, it refers to God legally declaring a sinner righteous based on Christ's work.
dikaiosynēn · Greek Noun
The state of being right before God, legal standing free from condemnation, granted by grace through faith, not by works of the law.
Binding of Isaac
God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac, which Abraham prepares to do, demonstrating his ultimate faith and obedience.
"No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”" — Abraham's faith wasn't just passive belief; it was an active, strengthening force that gave glory to God precisely because it looked away from his own impossible circumstances and only at God's p…
