Romans 4:17

"For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all."

Key Reflection

Romans 4:17 underscores the transformative power of faith over works in obtaining divine favor and inheritance. Paul writes that this promise to Abraham—to become a "father of many nations"—is realized through faith, not just adherence to the law. This means that the blessings extend not only to those who are physically descended from Abraham but also to all who share his faith, highlighting the universal scope of God's grace.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. As it is written. Ge 17:5. I have made thee. The word here used in the Hebrew (Ge 17:5) means, literally, to give, to grant; and also, to set, or constitute. This is also the meaning of the Greek word used both by the Lxx. and the apostle. The quotation is taken literally from the Septuagint. The argument of the apostle is founded, in part, on the fact that the past tense is used---I have made thee--and that God spoke of a thing as already done, which he had promised or purposed to do. The sense is, he had, in his mind or purpose, constituted him the father of many nations; and so certain was the fulfillment of the Divine purposes, that he spoke of it as already accomplished.

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