Paul has made three statements which were directly opposite to the Jewish interpretation of Scripture. The first was in 3:20, that by the works of the law shall no flesh be justifies; the second in 3:30, that God would justify the Gentiles through faith without circumcision; and the third in 3:19 and 28, the salvation is given independently of the law. Paul proceeds, therefore, in chapter 4 to show that Scripture supports these propositions. He bases his argument mainly on Gen 15. Eric’s notes: Gen 15:6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Gen 12:3 and 18:18 both make the point that Abraham will bless all of the earth, indicating that 1) Christ will come from his line and 2) Christ is the redeemer that will take the gospel to all people. Gal 3: 6 Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 7 Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." 9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith
Abraham, and David also, were men pre-eminently in the favor of God (cf. eg, Is 41:8; Acts 13:2). On what basis, then, according to Scripture, was righteousness reckoned to them? See v 1-8. Answer: Through righteousness by faith, believing in God and His Word.
At what time in Abraham’s life was his faith reckoned to him as righteousness? How does this vitally affect the question at issue regarding the admission of Gentiles? See v 9-12. Answer: Abraham was later in life. It was after the time of self exile when he murdered the Egyptian, after he had been taken out of Egypt and even after he rescued Lot. I think I am missing the point of this question. I am not sure how this will affect admission of Gentiles???
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