Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Romans 4:11

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

See you how he shows the Jews to be as it were of the class of parasites (i.e. guests), rather than those in uncircumcision, and that these were added to the others? For if he was justified and crowned while in uncircumcision, the Jews came in afterwards, Abraham is then the father first of the uncircumcised, which through faith appertain to him, and then of those in the circumcision. For he is a forefather of two lines. See you faith lightening up? for till it came the patriarch was not justified. …

Homily on Romans VIII ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

He resolves a naturally arising objection. Someone might perhaps object: if Abraham was justified before circumcision, then why was he circumcised? The Apostle answers: he "received the sign of circumcision" — in place of a seal, confirming that he was justified by faith, which he demonstrated earlier, while being uncircumcised. So, regarding Abraham, two things are presented: uncircumcision and circumcision. Through uncircumcision he proves to be the father of the uncircumcised. But which ones? …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Having shown that the blessing of forgiveness of sins is obtained not only in circumcision but also in uncircumcision on the ground that Abraham was justified when he was still uncircumcised, the Apostle now responds to an objection. For someone could say: if Abraham was justified before circumcision, then he was circumcised without reason and for no purpose. …

Commentary on Romans ↗