Romans 4: 16

[Jim_Baur]

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

All ideas of how to understand this verse?

 

[rcwitness]

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

All ideas of how to understand this verse?

Because of the grace of God, He granted whoever believes in the faith which Abraham possessed, they would be counted the same as those who were his lawfull descendants.

 

[Neofight]

Paul is proclaiming that God is the God of not just the Jews, but of all mankind.

 

[Rob_Arnzen]

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

All ideas of how to understand this verse?

St. Paul observes when and why Abraham was thus justified: it was before he was circumcised, and before the giving of the law.

Abraham is expressly justified by faith before he was circumcised. This silences the fears of the uncircumcised Gentiles, and dampens the pride of the Jews, who gloried in their circumcision.

Abraham is called the father of all that believe, because he was so eminent a believer, and so eminently justified by faith.

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[thistle]

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

All ideas of how to understand this verse?

D-R Bible, Haydock Commentary:

Ver. 16. There are two kinds of children of Abraham, to whom alone these promises are made; the one is according to the flesh, the other according to the spirit. The former of these had no more part in the promises made to him and his seed than the Gentiles, unless they imitated the fidelity and obedience of their father. (Calmet) — It is in this sense of spiritual father, that the [Catholic] priest at the altar, speaking in the name of the faithful, calls Abraham our patriarch. (Estius)