Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 4:19

Albert Barnes Commentary

Romans 4:19

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Romans 4:19

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah`s womb;" — Romans 4:19 (ASV)

And being not weak in faith. That is, having strong faith.

He considered not. He did not regard the fact that his body was now dead as any obstacle to the fulfillment of the promise. He did not allow that fact to influence him or to produce any doubt about the fulfillment. Faith looks to the strength of God, not to second causes or to difficulties that may appear formidable to man.

Now dead. Aged; dead as to the purpose under consideration. (Compare to Hebrews 11:12: As good as dead.) That is, he was now at an age when it was highly improbable that he would have any children. .

Deadness (Hebrews 11:11: When she was past age). Compare to Genesis 18:11.