(1) What shall we then say that Ahrahavi^ our father as pertaining 1o the Jlesh, hath found ? The connexion of this verse with the preceding train of reasoning is obvious. Paul had taught that we are justified by faith ; as well in confirmation of this doctrine, as to anticipate an objec- tion from the Jew, he refers to the case of Abraham. ' How was it then with Abraham ? How did he obtain justification "?'
The words rendered as pertaining to the flesh may be more properly renderSd as to, or through the flesh. And instead of being connected with the word father, they should stand at the end of the verse, ' what hath Abraham our father found through the flesh V Such is their posi- tion in the original ; and although the sense is good, which is afforded by connecting thern as in our .version, yet the Greek will hardly admit of it.
The wordi flesh in this connexion is variously explained. It is rendered by some naturally, by himself; and to the same amount by Grotius, hy his own powers. This, however, is, confessedly, a very unusual signifi- cation of the term. Others again suppose that the reference is to circum- cision ; ' through the flesh' is then equivalent to ' circumcision which is in the flesh.' But there is no ground for this specific reference in the context. Paul often uses the word flesh in a general way for every thing external, re- lating to ceremonies, legal observances, &c. ; see Gal. 6 : 12, " As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh ;" Gal. 3:3," Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh ;" Phil. 3 : 3, 4, where