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For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.
Verse Takeaways
1
The Logic Against Boasting
Commentators explain that Paul uses a logical argument: If justification were earned by works, it would give a person reason to boast. However, Paul asserts that before God, who sees the heart perfectly, even a great figure like Abraham had no grounds for boasting. This proves that justification cannot be based on our actions.
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Romans
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11
18th Century
Presbyterian
For if Abraham, etc. This is the answer of the apostle. If Abraham was justified on the ground of his own merits, he would have reason to …
The Scripture (η γραφη). Genesis 15:6.
Was justified by works (εξ εργων εδικαιωθη). Condition o…
19th Century
Anglican
We know that he obtained justification. If that justification had been earned by his own works, it would then have been something to be proud of; i…
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Baptist
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof…
Paul now asks what Abraham had “discovered” about getting into right relation to God. In calling Abraham “our forefather,” he is not addressing Jew…
16th Century
Protestant
For if Abraham, etc. This is an incomplete argument, which may be made in this form — “If Abraham was justified by works, he might justly …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For if Abraham were justified by works That Abraham was not, and could not be justified by works, is clear from this…
To meet the views of the Jews, the apostle first refers to the example of Abraham, in whom the Jews gloried as their most renowned forefather. Howe…
13th Century
Catholic
After dismissing the glory the Jews took in the law, through which they considered themselves superior to the Gentiles, the Apostle now d…
