What shall we say, then, that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, did find?

If Abraham were justified by deeds, then hath he wherein to rejoice: but not with God.

For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned to Abraham, for righteousness.

And that he might be the father of the circumcised: not because they are circumcised only: but because they walk also in the steps of that faith, that was in our father Abraham before the time of circumcision.

For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith.

Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour: and that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the law: but also to them which are of the faith of Abraham, which is the father of us all.

Which Abraham, contrary to hope, believed in hope: that he should be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be."

Neither are they all children straightway because they are the seed of Abraham: But in Isaac shall thy seed be called,

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For even I verily am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, and of the tribe of Benjamin;