Romans 4:1–15 We will never know whether Paul came to his great affirmation that we are justified by faith and then was delighted to discover in Abraham the first example of his principle, or whether Paul discovered in Abraham’s story not only the clue but the language for his affirmation. Certainly the story of Abraham gives Paul exactly what he needs. He needs an example of a right relationship to God that does not depend on the law, because he wants that right relationship to be open to law-abiding