“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:”
Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, 'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.' — The κατὰ σάρκα (kata sarka, "according to flesh") descent does not constitute election; the promise is narrowed: σπέρμα (sperma, "seed") comes through Isaac, not Ishmael. The citation of Genesis 21:12 illustrates that even Abraham's children are divided; election is discriminating.
Church Fathers on Romans 9:6
“Not as though the word of God had taken none effect.” To show that he had courage to bear all these things for the word of God, that is, the promise made to Abraham. For as Moses seemed to be pleading for the Jews, yet was doing everything for God's glory (for he says, “Lest they say, Because He was not able to save them, He led them forth to destroy them in the wilderness” Deuteronomy 9:28; stay Your wrath), so also does Paul, That they may not say (he means) that the…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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