Romans 4:17

Afrikaans 2020 (Die Bybel 2020-vertaling)

soos daar geskryf staan: “Ek het jou die vader van baie nasies gemaak” – dit was hy in die oë van die God in wie hy geglo het, wat die dooies lewend maak, en dit wat nog nie bestaan nie, tot bestaan roep.

What Does This Mean?

This verse is about God's promise to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, even though it seemed impossible at first. It emphasizes how God can make things happen that seem unlikely or impossible. The key message is about faith and trusting in God’s ability to fulfill His promises.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a small garden with just one plant, but someone tells you that this plant will grow into the biggest forest ever seen! It might sound silly, right? But if they are really powerful, like how we think of God, anything can happen. That's what happened to Abraham. He had no kids and was very old, but God promised he would have many descendants, just like you having a big family of trees from one little seed.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the letter written by Paul (Saul) to Roman Christians around AD 57-58. The audience includes both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome who are struggling with understanding how faith works, especially concerning Abraham's story as a model of faith.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you are starting a new business or trying to fix something that seems impossible. This verse reminds us to keep our faith strong because God can do the 'impossible' and bring life out of dead situations just like He did for Abraham.

Topics

• faith
• promise keeping
• salvation history
• hope
• trust in God
• Abraham's story

Related Verses

• Genesis 12:2-3
• Hebrews 11:17-19
• Romans 4:18
• Galatians 3:6-9
• Isaiah 51:2

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was speaking in Romans 4:17?

While Paul is writing this letter, he quotes God's promise directly from Genesis about Abraham.

What does it mean to 'quickeneth the dead'?

This phrase means that God has the power to bring life where there seems to be none, like bringing descendants to an old man without children.

How can I apply Romans 4:17 in my daily life?

You can trust in God's promises for your own life and believe that He can do what seems impossible to you just as He did with Abraham.

What are some other examples of 'calling those things which be not as though they were' in the Bible?

Examples include Sarah giving birth to Isaac despite being past childbearing age, and Jesus feeding thousands with a few loaves and fishes.