\v 9 Then is this blessing pronounced only on those of the circumcision, or also on those of the uncircumcision? For we say, "Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness."
\v 11 Abraham received the sign of circumcision. This was a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had already possessed when he was in uncircumcision. The result of this sign was that he became the father of all those who believe, even if they are in uncircumcision. This means that righteousness will be counted for them.
\v 12 This also meant that Abraham became the father of the circumcision for those who are not only circumcised but also for those who follow in the steps of faith of our father Abraham before he was circumcised.
\v 13 For the promise to Abraham and to his descendants that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
\v 14 For if those who live by the law are to be the heirs, faith is made empty, and the promise is void.
\v 16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all of Abraham's descendants—not only to those who are under the law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all,
\v 17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations." Abraham was in the presence of him whom he trusted, that is, God, who gives life to the dead ones and calls the things that do not exist into existence.
\v 18 Despite all outward circumstances, Abraham confidently trusted God for the future. So he became the father of many nations, according to what had been spoken, "Thus will be your descendants."
\v 19 He was not weak in faith. Abraham understood that his own body was unable to have children (because he was about a hundred years old). He also acknowledged that Sarah's womb was not able to bear children.