Romans 4:21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:13-22 The promise was made to Abraham long before the law. It points at Christ, and it refers to the promise, Ge 12:3. In Thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. The law worketh wrath, by showing that every transgressor is exposed to the Divine displeasure. As God intended to give men a title to the promised blessings, so he appointed it to be by faith, that it might be wholly of grace, to make it sure to all who were of the like precious faith with Abraham, whether Jews or Gentiles, in all ages. The justification and salvation of sinners, the taking to himself the Gentiles who had not been a people, were a gracious calling of things which are not, as though they were; and this giving a being to things that were not, proves the almighty power of God. The nature and power of Abraham's faith are shown. He believed God's testimony, and looked for the performance of his promise, firmly hoping when the case seemed hopeless. It is weakness of faith, that makes a man lie poring on the difficulties in the way of a promise. Abraham took it not for a point that would admit of argument or debate. Unbelief is at the bottom of all our staggerings at God's promises. The strength of faith appeared in its victory over fears. God honours faith; and great faith honours God. It was imputed to him for righteousness. Faith is a grace that of all others gives glory to God. Faith clearly is the instrument by which we receive the righteousness of God, the redemption which is by Christ; and that which is the instrument whereby we take or receive it, cannot be the thing itself, nor can it be the gift thereby taken and received. Abraham's faith did not justify him by its own merit or value, but as giving him a part in Christ.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

And being fully persuaded - Thoroughly or entirely convinced; Luke 1:1; Romans 14:5; 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:17.

He was able - Compare Genesis 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; Hebrews 11:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

21. And being fully persuaded, &c.—that is, the glory which Abraham's faith gave to God consisted in this, that, firm in the persuasion of God's ability to fulfil his promise, no difficulties shook him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

He looked upon God as one that was perfectly able to do whatever he had promised, and as one that was most faithful, and sure never to fail in the performance; collecting nothing else from the difficulty and improbability of the matter, but that it was the fitter for an Almighty power to effect.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And being fully persuaded,.... He had not only faith, a strong faith, but full assurance of faith:

that what he God had promised; though it was so long ago, and there were so many difficulties in the way;

he was able, being the Lord God Almighty,

to perform; so his faith rested upon the power of God, with whom nothing is impossible.

Geneva Study Bible

And being {s} fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

(s) A description of true faith.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Romans 4:21

Vincent's Word Studies

Being fully persuaded (πληροφορηθεὶς)

Rev., more accurately, fully assured. See on most surely believed, Luke 1:1. The primary idea is, being filled with a thought or conviction.

Able (δυνατός)

The sense is stronger: mighty; compare Luke 1:49; Luke 24:19; Acts 18:24; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Revelation 6:15.