Romans 4:9-12

Romans 4:9-12

[9] Cometh this  blessedness  then  upon  the circumcision  only, or  upon  the uncircumcision  also?  for  we say  faith  was reckoned  to Abraham  for  righteousness.  [10] How  then  reckoned?  in  circumcision,  or  in  uncircumcision?  Not  in  circumcision,  but  in  uncircumcision.  [11] And  he received  the sign  of circumcision,  a seal  of the righteousness  of the faith  which  he had yet being  uncircumcised:  that  he  the father  of all  them that believe,  though  they be not circumcised;  that  righteousness  might be imputed  unto them  also:  [12] And  the father  of circumcision  to them who are not  of  the circumcision  only,  but  who also  walk  in the steps  of that faith  father  Abraham,  which he had being  yet uncircumcised. 

What does Romans 4:9-12 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The examples of Abraham and David, both Jews, led to the question Paul voiced in the next verse ( Romans 4:9). The apostle pointed out that when God declared Abraham righteous the patriarch was uncircumcised. He was a virtual Gentile. Fourteen years later Abraham underwent circumcision ( Genesis 17:24-26). His circumcision was a sign (label) of what he already possessed. This point would have encouraged Paul"s Jewish readers, who made so much of circumcision, to keep it in its proper place as secondary to faith. Paul used Abraham as more than an example of faith.
"As the recipient and mediator of the promise, his experience becomes paradigmatic for his spiritual progeny." [1]