Fathers

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What the Fathers say

James 2:23

Eastern Fathers

Cyril of Jerusalem

Abraham was justified not by works but by faith. For although he had done many good things, he was not called a friend of God until he believed, and every one of his deeds was perfected by faith.

Catechetical Lecture 5:5 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Abraham was a type of justification through faith alone when he "believed and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Gen. 15:6), and a type of justification through works when he laid his son on the altar, for he not only performed the deed but also did not fall from faith concerning Isaac — that his posterity would multiply like the stars — but considered "that God was able to raise him from the dead" (Heb. 11:19). …

Commentary on James ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

Lay aside, therefore, the evil, the old, the corrupt leaven, and be ye changed into the new leaven of grace. Abide in Christ, that the stranger may not have dominion over you. It is absurd to speak of Jesus Christ with the tongue, and to cherish in the mind a Judaism which has now come to an end. For where there is Christianity there cannot be Judaism. For Christ is one, in whom every nation that believes, and every tongue that confesses, is gathered unto God. …

Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

That Abraham believed God deep in his heart is a matter of faith alone, but that he took his son to sacrifice him … is not just a great act of faith but a great work as well.

Sermons 2.9 ↗