ACC ~ Romans 4 v11

ABRAHAM ACCEPTED CIRCUMCISION AS A SIGN. TERTULLIAN: But you Jews say that Abraham was circumcised. Yes, but he pleased God before his circumcision, and he did not yet observe the sabbath. For he had accepted circumcision as a sign for that time, not as a prerogative title to salvation. AN ANSWER TO THE JEWS 3.

A SIGN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO COME. AMBROSIASTER: Abraham received circumcision as a sign of the righteousness of faith. For believing that he would have a son, he received the sign of the thing which he believed, that it might be known that he was justified because of what he believed. Circumcision has no special value; it is just a sign.The children of Abraham received this sign so that it would be known that they were the children of him who had received this sign because he believed in God and so that they would imitate their father’s faith and believe in Jesus, who was promised to Abraham. Isaac was born as a type of Christ, for the nations are not blessed in Isaac but in Christ, “for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,” says the apostle Peter. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

CHRYSOSTOM: See how the uncircumcised had Abraham as their father before the circumcised came into existence! So if circumcision must be honored because it preaches righteousness, uncircumcision is still preeminent, because it came before circumcision in the dispensation of faith. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 8.

CHRYSOSTOM: Paul taught us both that Abraham received circumcision as a sign and that while he was still uncircumcised he gave evidence of righteousness arising from faith. HOMILIES ON GENESIS 39.18.

SEAL OF AN EXISTING RIGHTEOUSNESS. PELAGIUS: In case anyone says that Abraham was circumcised unnecessarily, Paul argues that it is the sign or seal of an existing righteousness, not of growth in an unfolding righteousness. This righteousness was so perfect that it deserved a seal, for something that is full is always sealed. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

THE PURPOSES OF CIRCUMCISION. SEVERIAN: Circumcision was given for these three reasons: First, to be a sign of faith; second, to mark out the race of Abraham, and third, to be a sign and symbol of good and wise behavior. It was not given in order to produce righteousness but as a sign and seal of the righteousness which was Abraham’s by faith. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

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