Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 4:23-25

"Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him; but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification." — Romans 4:23-25 (ASV)

The history of Abraham, and of his justification, was recorded to teach people of later ages—especially those to whom the gospel was then made known. It is plain that we are not justified by the merit of our own works, but by faith in Jesus Christ and His righteousness. This is the truth urged in this and the preceding chapter as the great source and foundation of all comfort.

Christ meritoriously worked our justification and salvation by His death and passion, but its power and perfection for us depend on His resurrection. By His death He paid our debt; in His resurrection He received our acquittance (Isaiah 53:8). When He was discharged, we, in Him and together with Him, received the discharge from the guilt and punishment of all our sins.

This last verse is an abridgment or summary of the whole gospel.