“That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”
This means: It is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. — The reiteration emphasizes the rupture: nature (φύσις, physis) is superseded by promise (ἐπαγγελία, epaggelía). God's election works against genetic expectation; the promised child (Isaac) is selected over the natural heir (Ishmael).
Church Fathers on Romans 9:8
“That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise, these are counted for the seed.” And observe the judgment and depth of Paul's mind. For in interpreting, he does not say, “they which are the children of the flesh, these are not” the children of Abraham, but, “the children of God:” so blending the former things with the present, and showing that even Isaac was not merely Abraham's son. And what he means is…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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