Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Romans 4:13

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." He had shown that faith is necessary, that it is older than circumcision, that it is more mighty than the Law, that it establisheth the Law. …

Homily on Romans 8 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The Apostle has already proven that justification comes not by the law, but by faith. Now he proves that Abraham also received the promise not by the law, but by righteous faith. What then is the "promise"? "To be heir of the world," that is, that in him all the nations of the entire world would be blessed.

Commentary on Romans ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, for not through the law, he explains his statement that circumcision or any work of the law did not justify in virtue of a divine promise. In regard to this he does two things: first, he states his proposition; second, he proves it, at for if they who are of the law. …

Commentary on Romans ↗