23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone,
23 But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone,
23 But it's not just Abraham;
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him,
23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 4:23
Commentary on Romans 4:23-25
(Read Romans 4:23-25)
The history of Abraham, and of his justification, was recorded to teach men of after-ages; those especially 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; which is the truth urged in this and the foregoing chapter, as the great spring and foundation of all comfort. Christ did meritoriously work our justification and salvation by his death and passion, but the power and perfection thereof, with respect to 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 abridgement or summary of the whole gospel.