An Apostolic Conflict?

It appears there may be a perceived conflict within the teachings of the New Testament (Brit Chadasha). But is that truly the case? The simplest and most honest answer is both yes and no. The apparent contradiction does not reside within the text itself, but rather in our human interpretation. When I mention “human interpretation,” I am referring to understandings that are not guided by the Spirit—an insight available to all who seek Him through prayer and faith. But before we delve deeper into this discussion…

Previously in Romans…

In chapter one we are introduced to our sinful nature, a nature that loves a life of quote‑on‑quote “freedom”, which truly is a life of bondage, that is chained to sin, that submit us under the authority of the power of the air, as Paul puts it.

Then Paul also introduces us to our internal problem, a division that’s causing the entire world to suffer the curses that comes as the consequence of sin, and then Paul asks from us to put our act together. First to the Jews (Chapter 2) and then to the Nations (Gentiles, Chapter 3 Part 1 & 2).

To the Jews Paul reinforced the importance of obedience to the Law of God, not for salvation, because that has never been the intention of the Law, the Law is given to already saved people in order to live a life of order under the New Kingdom that Yahweh is establishing. We are to lead others into the understanding of the Law, not only by forcing its regulations, but by being an example of one who walks in obedience of the Law, by faith. As Yeshua tabernacle with us, in fully obedience of the Law.

To the Gentiles in the other hand, he rebuked us for neglecting the Law introduced by Yahweh Himself to the chosen people of Israel, using as an excuse their failures and misinterpretation of the Law to completely rejects the perfect Law given by Yahweh to Moses. Israel’s failures are not an excuse to nullify the Law, because the Law was given by Yahweh, who has always been faithful to His promises, which were made flesh in front of many witnesses, who were still alive on those days these letters were written. As a signature of the faithfulness to us, an Elohim that wants and is tabernacling with us, Immanuel, Yahweh with us, through Yeshua, and even until these days, through the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha’Kodesh).

Now that we have reviewed where we left off, let’s begin.

Are we justified by the Law?

Romans 4:1-12 LSB —
¹ What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? ² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about—but not before God! ³ For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS COUNTED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” ⁴ Now to the one who works, his wage is not counted according to grace, but according to what is due. ⁵ But to the one who does not work, but believes upon Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, ⁶ just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: ⁷ “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. ⁸ “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.” ⁹ Therefore, is this blessing on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “FAITH WAS COUNTED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” ¹⁰ How then was it counted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; ¹¹ and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be counted to them, ¹² and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

There is much to discuss here. To begin, let’s put the entire narrative into perspective. It’s important to understand who Paul is addressing in this letter. He is writing to a congregation that was already established, which is currently experiencing several crises:

1. Identity Crisis
2. Division in Leadership
3. Division in Thoughts
4. Division in Doctrine

The political tension at the time was not helping either, Christians were able to take advantage of the religious privileges the Jewish had, because of their special covenant with Yahweh, they were protected of the requirements of the Roman Empire, which allowed them to worship the Jewish God, Yahweh, without requiring sacrificing to the Greco-Roman pagan gods.

Since we are called, through the Messiah, to live a set-apart —holy— life, being under the umbrella of Judaism had its benefits, Christianism was not a thing yet, what we know as Christianism today was a sect under Judaism, Messianic Judaism, which was refer by the religious leader as, the Way. But this privilege was declining, because Rome was tired of dealing with the Jews.

Lamentably, many in the congregation of Rome took this as an opportunity to break apart from the Jewish traditions, which later in history we know this didn’t work for the best, because Christians were forced to sacrifice to idols at a great cost if we didn’t.

Since his revelation of the Messiah, Paul has consistently endeavored to prevent this division at all costs.

But of course, the teachings of Paul can be easily manipulated to support the separation from the Jewish traditions, and even worst, from the laws given by Yahweh. Which contradicts Yeshua’s own commandment given during the Sermon of the Mount.

Still, even if it seems that Paul is telling us today that we do not need the commandments of Yahweh, that we only need faith alone —Sola Fide—, we have to allow the Spirit to guide us to the truth, because this is not what Paul is trying to say here.

Paul is still talking about Justification

Remember, that even though we are in Roman chapter 4, the train of thought has not changed, Paul is still talking about “Justification”.

Do we need the Law of Yahweh to be justify? No, the only requirement is believing —having faith— in Yahweh and His promises, as Abraham and David did. If this was so, being justified by the law, then both Abraham and David would’ve be in a pickle. Both made terrible decisions through their walk with Yahweh, both took things into their own hands, both were terrible dads, and were terrible maintaining order in their home. Still, they both have faith, not on their strength, but in the promises of Yahweh. That what was counted for them as righteousness.

And this is the whole point of what Paul is bringing back into our attention, in fact, Paul is repeating what he already has said since chapter two. We have to understand, that repetition in Hebrew Literature is not redundancy, it is a method to help in memorization. Paul is trying to make a permanent impression in the hearts of those who were listening to the reading of the letter.

Now, as we did in chapter three, let’s analyze all the references Paul uses in this chapter… The first reference comes from Genesis 15:6, but let’s review it in greater context. Yahweh appear to Abraham —then Abram— to remind him of the covenant, then Abram asked:

Abraham was advanced in year, left everything behind to follow a God nobody knew, all had forgotten, but still Abram trusted in Yahweh. Was his faith that counted as righteousness to Yahweh, not the deeds.

The second reference comes from Psalm 32:1-2.

This psalm written by King David himself, talks about something David was very familiar with. The faithfulness of Yahweh to forgive sins and the bondage of sin we are commanded to conquer. In this psalm David is encouraging us to never forget that Yahweh is always willing to forgive our sins, when we come with a heart of repentance —metanoia/teshuva—, and confess our sin. With sincerity, turning away from our sin.

So how this relates to the letter of Romans, and why Paul is emphasizing this again, as he will continue later on? This has a simple answer, because it is important and because Paul as a Rabbi, he wants us to remember this. As throughout the Bible, principles are constantly repeated, for a reason. As Yahweh commanded us through Moses in the Shemah (שֶׁמַע):

Yahweh reveal His commandments to us for a purpose, He Himself was preparing the way to dwell among us. Like the parable of the sower, Yahweh do not plant without first preparing the ground to receive His seed. Yahweh did not send Yeshua at any given time, but He send Yeshua at the precise time where the seed of the gospel would spread to all the corners of the earth. Not during the Babylonian Exile, neither today, if Yeshua have had come in this current age, our faith would’ve depended on sight, social media posts, and blogs. Even worst today, we wouldn’t have accepted the message because many would have said: “oh, that’s an A.I. generated video; grow up! Miracles are not real.” —Meditate on that for a second.

Our faith, as we explored in Romans chapter one, is generated by faith, not from sight. Material evidence is a judge against us, even though we can praise in awe at the evidence of Yahweh in nature, this is not where our faith comes from, our faith comes from the knowledge of Yahweh, His faithfulness to His promises, and His patience love towards us.

And this is the way of Paul’s constant reminder of Genesis 15:6. Our faith and forgiveness does not come from anything we have done, but from the mercy of our Elohim, Yahweh Adonai, through the covenant established through Himself as Yeshua, the salvation of Yahweh.

Circumcision?! — again?!

Romans 4:9-12 LSB —
⁹ Therefore, is this blessing on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “FAITH WAS COUNTED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” ¹⁰ How then was it counted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; ¹¹ and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be counted to them, ¹² and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.

We are constantly focusing on the things we can use to boast about our own holiness. Many in the time of Yeshua and first century believers, believed their salvation was caused by their obedience, as a reward of their actions. But this kind of belief is dangerous, because normally ends with the total rejection of our dependance of Yahweh. That’s why in the Torah something is made very clear.

The constant reminder from Paul to the Jews was clear, they have forgot a key characteristic from Yahweh, He cannot be bribed. He is Just, and will judge by the heart of our deeds. As you can read for yourself, this is not a new statement, and Paul remind us, even us today, the modern congregation of His chosen people, Yahweh does what He does out of love and justice. He expects from us to act in kindness and righteousness. Circumcision was not a requirement of salvation, not even a requirement of covenant. Circumcision was a public and physical act that a man voluntarily chooses as a sign to himself and to his spouse that he will surrender his will for the will of Yahweh. Circumcision was a symbol as the result of your surrendering and faith to Yahweh, not the source of it.

This was not a teaching to the Jews; this is something for us as Gentiles to understand. We are not capable to gain our salvation, or to generate our own faith, at least not the true faith. The true faith comes from Yahweh, a gift from His promises. Yahweh makes a promise to us, and we choose to allow faith to grow on us, and as a result of this faith that comes from faith, we decide to follow and make covenants with Yahweh.

And as with every covenant made with Yahweh, He commanded us to remember the covenant and the agreements made, with symbols or actions that help us remember these agreements. Circumcision is one way for you to permanently mark yourself as set-apart vessel.

Keep in mind that today circumcision has become a normal practice in the medical field, so, one deciding to circumcise might not have the same effect as it did before. Today, living a righteous life away from pretentious acts of religious theatrics, is more important to Yah, than the letter of the law. This is the main subject in all Paul’s letters.

Yahweh is unmoved by religious theatrics—Yeshua rejected them outright. Boasting about Torah observance is often the loudest evidence of missing its heart. It’s not the one who declares, “I keep Torah,” who truly walks in it—but the one whose life quietly mirrors the character of the Messiah. That is the true sign of salvation. That is the mark of true faith.

We Received Because It Was Promised

Romans 4:13-17 LSB —
¹³ For the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. ¹⁴ For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith has been made empty and the promise has been abolished; ¹⁵ for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no trespass.
¹⁶ For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be according to grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all— ¹⁷ as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”—in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

Yahweh reach out to Abraham, then named Abram, Abram was part of the nations, he was not aware of Yahweh, Yahweh has to revealed Himself to Abraham. Which begs the question: “why?”

If you try to analyze that question based on our modern interpretations and traditions, the first thing you will have to ask to yourself is this. If Yahweh was angry with mankind, as many doctrines stipulates and preach, why did He then reach out to Abram? Was it because Abram follows the Law of Yahweh? How could he? Abram was not even aware of Yahweh.

Abraham was justified by believing that the revelation was from the One True Elohim, when the rest of the world was completely lost. The world has forgotten who Yahweh was, as for many of us today, Yahweh was completely foreign to them. So, why Yahweh reach out to Abram?

The answer is simple, because the promise Yahweh made, not with Eve, but with the rulers of the air themselves, represented by the serpent at the Garden, that He would restore mankind to the original agreement, in other words, the covenant made between Yahweh and mankind. Remember, Eden is what the temple represented. Let me put it this way, we do not have two temple destructions, historically there were three destroyed temples. Two built by men, and the Garden of Eden, the original temple where Yahweh dwelled with us.

The promise of redemption was extended to all the elements of creation—from those who oppose Yahweh to those who are devoted to Him—and this covenant is inscribed in the very first scroll of the Torah for our understanding. Justification originates from Yahweh, because He has made a promise, and His motivation for this promise is rooted in His love for us. Yahweh is the Creator, and everything was brought into existence through His Word—Yeshua, His Word made flesh. We were created to live in harmony under His perfect order, but we shattered that divine sanctuary—the Garden of Eden—just as we have defiled the earthly temples constructed by humans.

This promise is offered to us as a free gift, as have always been, but instead of depending on faulty human priests, now is offered by the perfect immutable High Priest, Yeshua the Messiah. We get to live under His ordered creation, to maintain it, we are not the ones ordering His creation.

One thing we have to understand, Paul is not stating that those under the Law, because they are under the Law are under God’s wrath. That’s not the intention of the author, because if this is the proper interpretation, then Paul would be contradicting himself when he declares the Law is good.

And will also contradicts many other scriptures like Psalm chapter 19 verse 17.

And also contradicting Yeshua Himself when He declared.

And as Paul eloquently puts it.

Are Paul Teachings Contradicting Other Apostles?

So in light of all these passages, we need to think through and meditate in Paul’s message to Jews and Gentiles. From the beginning of the letter, Paul is addressing the issue of our sinful nature. And he also emphasized that through the Law we are able to know sin. So, what Paul mean by this?

Romans 4:15 LSB —
¹⁵ for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no trespass.

And this is where the paradox and the misunderstanding of Paul’s letter begin. To understand this, you need to cross-reference similar expressions from Paul to make sure you are grasping his true intention in the teaching.

There are two aspects of the Law that we need to clarify. There are two ways to approach or to present the Law, —two perspectives. From the perspective of sinners and the perspective of the redeemed. And for this you need to understand, as we mentioned previously, the purpose of the Law, what is for and what is not for.

And this is what Rabbi Paul is trying to bring to our understanding. Yahweh, through Yeshua the Messiah, allows you to live under the ruling of His Kingdom, but to enjoy of its benefits, you need to let go of your former corrupted way of life and embrace His way of life. Yeshua is the beginning of the covenant promised through the prophet Ezekiel.

With the guidance of His Spirit, we are able to approach Yahweh and have the ability to repent. We are constantly failing, just by breathing, watching a TV show or even reading the news, we are constantly bombarded with temptation, hatred and lust. In the Law given to Moses, there’s provision for involuntary sins.

Yahweh knows our heart; He knows our weaknesses and prepare provision for our sin. He provided the perfect Lamb of atonement, the one that takes our place, to allow Yahweh’s judgement Passover us. But it is not so for the one who intentionally and voluntarily sin. Whoever sin intentionally, especially after having known the truth, there’s nothing but the expectation of judgment. And this is not an “Old Testament” thing, —a thing only for Jews, as many approach the Hebrew Bible today. But if that’s the case, see what the author of Hebrews declares:

So here we see the beauty and the danger of the Law, the Torah, —as salt—, can be used to season, to heal, and to preserve, but can also makes you sick and even kill you. That’s the two sides of the coin. Before Torah, there were no wrath, because Yahweh will not accuse anyone who is ignorant of His will. But the Torah was revealed, and because of this, none is without excuse. And also remember how Paul eloquently presented to us in chapter one, even the heavens and the earth are witness of His power, majesty and dominion. We are without excuse for the day of judgement. But thank be to Yahweh, who provided for us a way back to His original design, Yeshua the Messiah, and not only that, but He also granted us the guidance of His Spirit, if we are humble to ask.

Romans 4:16 LSB — For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be according to grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all—

Where is the Apparent Conflict?

One of the common misconception about “Justified by Faith” is that we are not required to do anything, just to have faith. But as I mentioned in the previous chapters, having faith in the context of Paul is more than just saying with your mouth: “I have faith”, this expression has to come with evidence of faith (teshuva/metanoia).

On many occasions, we also think there’s a conflict among the apostles in this matter, especially those who are cut up with the expression of the Solas, —”Sola Fide (Faith Alone)”—, which is most often misinterpreted as, we are to do nothing to be justified, because we are justified by faith alone. What is very interesting to me is this, —the only occasion where the expression “faith alone” appears in the Bible, is in the book of Yaacov (translated as James in English Bibles).

Wow, that’s opposite to what Paul taught us. How can we reconcile this fact? And the correct answer will be: “context, context, context”. Paul and Yaacov are using similar expressions in different context. But Paul do agree with Yaacov when he speaks in Yaacov’s terms.

Yaacov is speaking about the evidence of faith, and Paul is addressing primarily from where our Justification comes from. These are two different approaches, but the end result is the same.

For example, Yaacov train of thought is based in this statement:

For Yaacov, an empty faith is not the same faith Paul talks in his letters, so if justification comes from an evidential faith, then, an empty faith, —”a faith without works”— will not justify you. The author of the letters to Hebrews puts it this way:

A faith without evidence of repentance is not faith at all, for the apostles this was clearly a charade, a house of cards, a house which foundation is built in the sand. This is the understanding Paul is trying to record in the mind of the audience of his letter to the Romans, but with a careful methodical approach.

It is obvious that Paul does not want to confuse the thought of “salvation through bribery”, with the concept of “Justification by faith”. Our justification comes by faith in Yahweh alone, through what He had done for us through Yeshua the Messiah. Just understand that Paul does not compromise the evidential element that is required of those who says to have faith in Yahweh (Romans 3:31).

But before we can understand this concept, the Jews and Gentiles needed to understand that our faith should be grounded in the promises of Yahweh, not on our obligations that comes as a result of surrendering our lives to Yeshua. And for this Paul testify about Abraham faith, as Yaacov also did.

Romans 4:18-25 LSB —
¹⁸ In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR SEED BE.” ¹⁹ And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; ²⁰ yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, ²¹ and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to do. ²² Therefore IT WAS ALSO COUNTED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. ²³ Now not for his sake only was it written THAT IT WAS COUNTED TO HIM, ²⁴ but for our sake also, to whom it will be counted, as those who believe upon Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, ²⁵ He who was delivered over on account of our transgressions, and was raised on account of our justification.

The promises of Yahweh are immutable, If He promised to be with us through all our hardships and good times, then He will be, how so ever, He will be with us. If we doubt that Yahweh keeps His promises to Israel, in which ground we base our faith on. Doubting Yahweh’s commitment with Israel, the direct seed of Abraham, to whom the promise was given, where does that leave us?

Yahweh has preserved the books of the Bible for our benefit, as Paul mentioned, referring to the scriptures in the Book of Genesis (Bereshit) and the rest of the Torah as enduring records and reminders. It is through these promises that we come to know our Messiah, Yeshua. One cannot genuinely attest to believing in the Messiah’s promised while dismissing the Hebrew Bible, as the New Testament is rooted in and founded upon the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible or “Old Testament”).

Conclusion

It is very hard reading the book of Romans one chapter at a time, but I have promised myself to try keeping this pattern for the benefit of whoever reads this commentary. Specially chapter four to six of Romans is one single train of thought connecting the dots about the justification we were gifted through Yeshua, and the importance for us to have a faith that’s evident. Not a faith from the mouth out, but an active faith that testifies to others about the promises of Yahweh, His love for us, and the amazing gift we have through our Messiah Yeshua.

We are called to be an example, a holy nation, set-apart for good works and to endure in our commitment to Yahweh, our belief in His only Son, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, and to stay true to the guidance of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Holy Spirit). The full expression of our Most-High Elohim, for all eternity, Amen.

May Yahweh bless you and keep you; May Yahweh let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May Yahweh lift up His face towards you and grants you, His Peace.

Shalom.