Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Romans 4:3

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed in God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." After mentioning the Scripture above he goes on to secure also the judgment of the speakers, and shows that justification took place in the uncircumcision. Then from these grounds he solves another objection which is starting up. For if when in uncircumcision, one might say he was justified, to what purpose was the circumcision brought in? …

Homily on Romans 8 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

On the contrary, whoever is justified by faith has praise before God and can boast in God, as one saved by His grace and beloved by Him. The believer can also boast in another way, namely as one who has glorified God by believing that He can do what seems impossible to us. So, he has praise and boldness before God, as one having a true understanding of Him, and believing in Him as almighty.

Commentary on Romans ↗

Irenaeus

And teaching this very thing, He said to the Jews: "Your father Abraham rejoiced that he should see my day; and he saw it, and was glad." What is intended? "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness." In the first place, [he believed] that He was the maker of heaven and earth, the only God; and in the next place, that He would make his seed as the stars of heaven. …

Against Heresies Book IV ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

I do not demand a reason from Christ. If I am convinced by reason, I deny faith. Abraham believed God. Let us also believe, so that we who are the heirs of his race may likewise be heirs of his faith.

On the Death of Satyrus 2.89 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, for what says, he disproves the consequent, which was negative, by proving the opposite affirmative, namely, that Abraham did have glory before God. He proves this on the authority of Scripture: first, he cites the authority; second, he explains, at now to him. First, therefore, he says: I say that Abraham was justified in a way that gave him glory before God. For what says the Scripture? Abraham believed God who promised that his seed would be multiplied (Gen 15:6). Believe God and he will help you (Sir 2:6). …

Commentary on Romans ↗