Romans 4:10 – “Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!”

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his argument that righteousness comes through faith, not through religious rituals or works. He is asking his audience to think about an important question: When was Abraham counted as righteous?

Was Abraham declared righteous before or after he was circumcised? Paul answers clearly: It was before.

This is significant because it proves that Abraham’s righteousness had nothing to do with circumcision—it was a result of his faith in God’s promise. This means that righteousness is available to all who believe, not just to those who follow Jewish traditions.

Paul’s point is clear: Salvation has always been based on faith alone. The religious act of circumcision came later, but it was not the cause of Abraham’s righteousness.

Historical Context

Circumcision was a huge deal in Jewish culture. It was the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:10-11). To the Jews, being circumcised meant that you were part of God’s chosen people.

Many Jews in Paul’s time believed that circumcision was necessary for righteousness. Some even taught that Gentiles (non-Jews) had to be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1).

Paul challenges this by going back to Genesis 15:6, where God declared Abraham righteous. That moment happened before Abraham was circumcised. In fact, there was about a 14-year gap between Abraham’s justification by faith and his circumcision (Genesis 17:24-26).

This proves that righteousness does not depend on religious rituals. Abraham was made right with God before any religious action took place, simply by believing in God’s promise.

Theological Implications

This verse is a clear statement of the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

• Righteousness is not earned through religious acts. If Abraham was declared righteous before circumcision, then righteousness is based on faith, not on outward religious rituals.
• Salvation is available to all people, not just the Jews. If Abraham was justified by faith alone, that means Gentiles (uncircumcised people) can also be made right with God through faith.
• Faith comes before works. Religious actions like baptism, church attendance, or good deeds are important, but they do not save us. Faith in God’s promise comes first.

This truth was radical in Paul’s time because it removed any sense of spiritual superiority. Jews could no longer claim that circumcision made them more righteous than Gentiles. Instead, everyone—Jew and Gentile—must come to God the same way: by faith.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a rhetorical question here to make his argument:

• “Under what circumstances was it credited?” – Paul is making his audience think critically about when Abraham was justified.
• “Was it after he was circumcised, or before?” – This question challenges the belief that circumcision is necessary for righteousness.
• “It was not after, but before!” – Paul answers the question emphatically to remove any doubt.

This style of argument forces his readers to acknowledge the truth: Abraham’s righteousness had nothing to do with circumcision—it was all about faith.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (This happened before circumcision.)
• Genesis 17:10-11 – “This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.” (This happened years later.)
• Romans 3:28-30 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law… since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”
• Galatians 3:6-9 – “Consider Abraham: ‘He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that salvation is not about religious rituals—it’s about faith in God’s promises.

Many people today still believe that certain religious actions—like baptism, church attendance, or doing good deeds—are what make them right with God. But Paul makes it clear: faith comes first.

For today’s believer, this means:

• You don’t have to earn God’s love through religious rituals. Faith in Jesus is what makes you right with God.
• Salvation is available to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you were raised in a religious home or not—what matters is your faith in Christ.
• Religious acts should follow faith, not replace it. Baptism, communion, and church involvement are important, but they should be a response to salvation, not a requirement for it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God’s love is not conditional on religious works.

• God declared Abraham righteous before he did anything religious, showing that God’s grace comes first.
• God’s love is for all people, not just one group. He didn’t limit salvation to a specific race or culture—He made it available to everyone who believes.
• God doesn’t require us to prove ourselves before He accepts us. He simply asks us to trust in Him.

This reveals that God’s love is generous and freely given. He doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up—He meets us where we are and declares us righteous through faith.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Abraham was justified by believing in God’s promise. That promise ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, the one who would bring salvation to the world.

• Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. (Galatians 3:16)
• Just as Abraham was justified by faith, we are justified by faith in Christ. (Romans 5:1)
• Jesus’ sacrifice replaces the old system of rituals and religious laws. (Colossians 2:11-12)
• Through Jesus, salvation is available to all—both Jews and Gentiles. (John 3:16)

Just as Abraham trusted in God’s promise and was made righteous, we trust in Jesus and receive the same righteousness.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that Abraham was justified before he was circumcised?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that religious rituals make a person right with God?
3. What are some ways people today try to earn righteousness through religious acts?
4. How does knowing that righteousness comes by faith give you confidence in your relationship with God?
5. If God welcomes both Jews and Gentiles through faith, how should that shape the way we view people from different backgrounds?

Romans 4:10 is a powerful reminder that faith, not religious rituals, is what makes us right with God. Just as Abraham was declared righteous before circumcision, so we are declared righteous by faith alone in Jesus Christ. Salvation is God’s gift, freely given to all who believe.