Romans 4:12 – “And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his argument about Abraham’s faith and what it means for both Jews and Gentiles. In this verse, he clarifies that Abraham is not just the father of those who are physically circumcised (the Jews), but also of those who follow his example of faith.

He is saying that being part of God’s family is not about outward signs like circumcision, but about having the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised. In other words, being Jewish by birth isn’t enough—what matters is having faith like Abraham.

This was a critical point for Paul’s Jewish audience. Many of them believed that being circumcised made them automatically part of God’s people. Paul challenges this by saying that true children of Abraham are those who walk in faith, not just those who follow religious customs.

Historical Context

Circumcision was a defining mark of the Jewish people. It was first commanded by God as part of His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11). For centuries, it was a sign of being part of God’s chosen people.

However, Paul had already established in Romans 4:10-11 that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. This meant that righteousness wasn’t about following religious traditions—it was about faith in God’s promises.

Many Jewish people in Paul’s time still believed that physical circumcision automatically made them righteous. But Paul is saying that to truly be a child of Abraham, one must have faith like Abraham, not just outward religious signs.

This was a radical message. It meant that Gentiles could be just as much a part of God’s people as Jews—if they had faith in God. It also meant that Jewish people who were circumcised but did not have faith were missing the true meaning of God’s covenant.

Theological Implications

This verse carries some deep theological truths:

• True faith matters more than religious rituals. Being physically circumcised or baptized does not make someone right with God—only faith does.
• Salvation is not based on heritage. Being born into a religious family doesn’t make someone automatically right with God. Each person must have faith for themselves.
• Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have faith. Whether Jew or Gentile, those who follow Abraham’s example of faith are counted as part of God’s family.
• Religious acts should be a response to faith, not a replacement for it. Circumcision, baptism, or any other outward sign should reflect a faith that already exists, not be a way to earn righteousness.

This verse also challenges self-righteousness. Many people trust in religious acts or traditions to make them right with God, but Paul makes it clear that it is faith, not religious rituals, that counts.

Literary Analysis

Paul is very deliberate in his wording:

• “The father of the circumcised” – He acknowledges Abraham’s role as the ancestor of the Jewish people.
• “Who not only are circumcised” – This shows that physical circumcision alone is not enough.
• “But who also follow in the footsteps of the faith” – Paul shifts the focus from outward tradition to inner faith.
• “That our father Abraham had before he was circumcised” – Paul is repeating the key point that Abraham’s righteousness came before any religious action, reinforcing that faith, not works, is what truly matters.

Paul’s careful structure emphasizes faith over tradition and shows that being part of God’s people is about following Abraham’s example of trust in God, not just outward religious markers.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (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.” (Circumcision as a sign, not the basis of righteousness.)
• Deuteronomy 10:16 – “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.” (True circumcision is about the heart, not just the flesh.)
• Romans 2:28-29 – “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.”
• Galatians 3:7 – “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that faith, not religious traditions, is what makes a person right with God. Many people today still believe that external religious acts—like baptism, communion, or church attendance—automatically make them right with God. While these things are important, they must come from a heart of faith, just as Abraham’s circumcision was a response to his faith.

For today’s believer, this means:

• Faith comes first. We must trust in Jesus before doing religious acts.
• Religious rituals are not what save us. Going to church, reading the Bible, or being baptized are good things, but they do not replace genuine faith in Christ.
• We are all equal before God. Whether Jew or Gentile, our standing before God is based on faith, not on our background or religious traditions.

This verse challenges Christians to make sure their faith is real and not just based on outward religious habits.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God’s love is for all people, not just for a specific group.

• God does not judge based on outward appearances. He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
• His love is not limited by race, background, or religious customs. Anyone who has faith is welcomed into His family.
• He made salvation simple—by faith, not by works. This shows that God’s love is about relationship, not about rule-following.

God is a loving Father who invites everyone to walk in faith, just like Abraham did.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Abraham was justified by faith in God’s promise, and Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise.

• Jesus is the true fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham. (Galatians 3:16)
• Through Jesus, we are made righteous the same way Abraham was—by faith. (Romans 5:1)
• Physical circumcision is replaced with the spiritual reality of faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:11-12)
• Jesus welcomes all people—Jew and Gentile—who have faith in Him. (John 3:16)

Just as Abraham’s faith made him righteous, our faith in Jesus makes us righteous today.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that religious traditions make a person right with God?
3. What are some modern examples of people relying on religious rituals instead of genuine faith?
4. How does knowing that faith, not works, makes us right with God change your view of salvation?
5. How does this verse encourage you to see people of different backgrounds as equal before God?

Romans 4:12 is a powerful reminder that faith, not religious rituals, is what makes us right with God. Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile. This truth removes all barriers and reminds us that salvation is for everyone who trusts in Christ.