“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.”
It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. The promise to Abraham is inherited not through law—which did not yet exist in Abraham's time—but through faith-derived righteousness. The promise is eschatological: Abraham and his spiritual descendants will inherit the world.
Church Fathers on Romans 4:13
“Which he had being yet uncircumcised.” Here again he lays low the lofty spirit of the Jews by reminding them of the time of the justification. And he well says, “the steps,” that you as well as Abraham may believe in the resurrection of bodies that are dead. For he also displayed his faith upon this point. And so if you reject the uncircumcision, be informed for certain that the circumcision is of no more use unto you. For if you follow not in the steps of his faith, though…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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