John Calvin Commentary Romans 4:23

"Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him;" — Romans 4:23 (ASV)

Now it was not written, etc. A proof from example is not always valid, as I have reminded you before; so that this would not be questioned, Paul expressly affirms that an example of a common righteousness, which belongs equally to all, was exhibited in the person of Abraham.

We are, by this passage, reminded of the duty of seeking profit from the examples recorded in Scripture. Heathens have truthfully said that history is the teacher of what life ought to be; but as it is handed down by them, no one can derive sound instruction from it. Scripture alone justly claims such an office for itself.

For in the first place, it prescribes general rules by which we may test every other history, so as to make it useful to us; and in the second place, it clearly points out what things are to be followed and what things are to be avoided. But as to doctrine, which it especially teaches, Scripture possesses this peculiarity—it clearly reveals the providence of God, His justice and goodness toward His own people, and His judgments on the wicked.

Paul then denies that what is recorded of Abraham was written only for his sake; for the subject is not something that belongs to the special call of one or any particular person, but rather, the way of obtaining righteousness is described, which is always the same for all. And it is what belonged to the common father of the faithful, on whom the eyes of all should be fixed.

If, then, we are to make a right and proper use of sacred histories, we must remember to use them in such a way as to draw sound doctrine from them. They instruct us, in some parts, how to shape our lives; in others, how to strengthen faith; and then, how we are to be stirred up to serve the Lord.

In shaping our lives, the example of the saints may be useful, and we may learn from them sobriety, chastity, love, patience, moderation, contempt of the world, and other virtues. What will serve to confirm faith is the help which God always gave them, the protection which brought comfort in adversities, and the paternal care which He always exercised over them. The judgments of God and the punishments inflicted on the wicked will also aid us, provided they fill us with that fear which imbues the heart with reverence and devotion.

But by saying, not on his account only, he seems to suggest that it was written partly for his sake. Hence some think that what Abraham obtained by faith was commemorated to his praise, because the Lord desires His servants to be remembered forever, according to what Solomon says, that their name will be blessed (Proverbs 10:7). But what if you take the words, not on his account only, in a simpler form, as if it were some singular privilege, not suitable to be made an example, but yet suitable to teach us, who must be justified in the same way? This certainly would be a more appropriate meaning.