friends of who?

Ok, there's no need for comment from me about these verses,

other than I was supposed to read just chapter 4 this morning,

but I had to spill over & include chapter 5 because neither one makes sense without the other.

Romans 4

18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations.

For God had said to him,

"That's how many descendants you will have!"

19 And Abraham's faith did not weaken,

even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah's womb.

  20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise.

In fact, his faith grew stronger,

and in this he brought glory to God.

21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

22 And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous.

23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit.

It was recorded24 for our benefit, too,

assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

25 He was handed over to die because of our sins,

and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

Romans 5

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith,

we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand,

and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

  3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials,

for we know that they help us develop endurance.

4 And endurance develops strength of character,

and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment.

For we know how dearly God loves us,

because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

  6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person,

though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.

8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

9 And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation.

10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God

because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.