Rom 4:19-21 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 19. And being not weak in faith . That is, having strong faith. He considered not . He did not regard the fact that his body was now dead, as any obstacle to the fulfilment of the promise. He did not suffer that fact to influence him, or to produce any doubt about the fulfilment. Faith looks to the strength of God, not to second causes, or to difficulties that may appear formidable to man. Now dead . Aged; dead as to the purpose under consideration. Comp. , "As good as dead." That is, he was now at an age when it was highly improbable that he would have any children. Comp. . Deadness , etc. , "When she was past age." Comp. . (x) "deadness of Sarah's womb"

Romans 4:19-21

Verse 19. And being not weak in faith. That is, having strong faith.

He considered not. He did not regard the fact that his body was now dead, as any obstacle to the fulfilment of the promise. He did not suffer that fact to influence him, or to produce any doubt about the fulfilment. Faith looks to the strength of God, not to second causes, or to difficulties that may appear formidable to man.

Now dead. Aged; dead as to the purpose under consideration. Comp. Heb 11:12, "As good as dead." That is, he was now at an age when it was highly improbable that he would have any children. Comp. Gen 17:17.

Deadness, etc. Heb 11:11, "When she was past age." Comp. Gen 18:11.

(x) "deadness of Sarah's womb" Verse 20. He staggered not. He was not moved, or agitated; he steadily and firmly believed the promise.

Giving glory to God. Giving honour to God by the firmness with which he believed his promises. His conduct was such as to honour God; that is, to show Abraham's conviction that he was worthy of implicit confidence and trust. In this way all who believe in the promises of God do honour to him. They bear testimony to him that he is worthy of confidence. They become so many witnesses in his favour; and furnish to their fellow-men evidence that God has a claim on the credence and trust of mankind. Verse 21. And being fully persuaded. Thoroughly or entirely convinced, Lk 1:1, Rom 14:5, 2Ti 4:5,17.

He was able. Comp. Gen 18:14. This was not the only time in which Abraham evinced this confidence. His faith was equally implicit and strong when he was commanded to sacrifice his promised son, Heb 11:19.

(y) "also able to perform" Gen 18:14, Lk 1:37,45, Heb 11:19