1What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, Lit our ancestor according to the flesh Rm 1:3 has found?

2If Abraham was justified Or was declared righteous, or was acquitted by works, 1Co 1:31 he has something to brag about — but not before God. He has no reason for boasting in God’s presence.

3For what does the Scripture say?

6Likewise, David also speaks of the blessing of the man God credits righteousness to apart from works:

7How joyful are those whose lawless acts are forgiven

8How joyful is the man

9Is this blessing only for the circumcised, Rm 3:30 then? Or is it also for the uncircumcised? For we say, Faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness. Gn 15:6 Gn 15:6

10In what way then was it credited — while he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while he was circumcised, but uncircumcised.

11And he received the sign of circumcision Gn 17:10-11 as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith Lit righteousness of faith Jn 3:33 while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father Lk 19:9 of all who believe Rm 3:22 but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also.

12And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised.

13For the promise to Abraham Rm 9:8; Gl 3:16; Heb 6:15,17; 7:6; 11:9,17 or to his descendants that he would inherit the world Gn 17:4-6; 21:17-18 was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. Lit righteousness of faith

14If those who are of the law are heirs, Gl 3:18 faith is made empty and the promise is canceled.

15For the law produces wrath. Rm 7:7,10-25; 1Co 15:56; Gl 3:10 And where there is no law, Rm 3:20 there is no transgression.

16This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, Rm 3:24 to guarantee it to all the descendants Rm 9:8; 15:8 — not only to those who are of the law Or not to those who are of the law only but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all

17in God’s sight. As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations. Gn 17:5 Gn 17:5 He believed in God, who gives life to the dead Jn 5:21 and calls Is 48:13; 51:2 things into existence that do not exist. 1Co 1:28

18He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations Gn 17:5 Gn 17:5 according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be. Gn 15:5 Gn 15:5

19He considered Other mss read He did not consider his own body to be already dead Heb 11:12 (since he was about 100 years old) Gn 17:17 and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, Gn 18:11 without weakening in the faith.

20He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, Mt 9:8

21because he was fully convinced Rm 14:5 that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Gn 18:14; Heb 11:19

22Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness. Gn 15:6; Rm 4:3 Gn 15:6

23Now it was credited to him was not written for Abraham alone, Rm 15:4; 1Co 9:9; 10:11; 2Tm 3:16

24but also for us. It will be credited to us who believe in Him Rm 10:9; 1Pt 1:21 who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Ac 2:24

25He was delivered up for Or because of our trespasses Rm 5:6,8; 8:32; Gl 2:20; Eph 5:2 and raised for Or because of our justification. Or acquittal Rm 5:18; 1Co 15:17; 2Co 5:15