NT Text: Romans 4:17
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment
Significance: Paul quotes the divine promise to Abraham at the covenant of circumcision — "I have made you a father of many nations" — to demonstrate that Abraham's fatherhood extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who share his faith. The promise was given before circumcision (the point of Romans 4), showing that Abraham is father of believing Gentiles as well as Jews. Paul sees the promise fulfilled in the multinational church composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.