Galatians 3:8
Verse
Context
Faith and Belief
7Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. 8The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Sermons
Chuck Smith
J. Vernon McGee
Major Ian ThomasMajor Ian Thomas
Charles Leiter
Don CourvilleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Scripture, foreseeing - See the notes on Rom 4:3-16 (note). As God intended to justify the heathen through faith, he preached the Gospel that contains the grand display of the doctrine of salvation by faith, before, to Abraham, while he was in his heathen state; and thus he is called the father of believers: therefore it must refer to them who shall believe the same Gospel among the Gentiles; and, as the door of faith was open to all the Gentiles, consequently the promise was fulfilled: In thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And--Greek, "Moreover." foreseeing--One great excellency of Scripture is, that in it all points liable ever to be controverted, are, with prescient wisdom, decided in the most appropriate language. would justify--rather, "justifieth." Present indicative. It is now, and at all times, God's one way of justification. the heathen--rather, "the Gentiles"; or "the nations," as the same Greek is translated at the end of the verse. God justifieth the Jews, too, "by faith, not by works." But he specifies the Gentiles in particular here, as it was their case that was in question, the Galatians being Gentiles. preached before the gospel--"announced beforehand the Gospel." For the "promise" was substantially the Gospel by anticipation. Compare Joh 8:56; Heb 4:2. A proof that "the old fathers did not look only for transitory promises" [Article VII, Church of England]. Thus the Gospel, in its essential germ, is older than the law though the full development of the former is subsequent to the latter. In thee--not "in thy seed," which is a point not here raised; but strictly "in thee," as followers of thy faith, it having first shown the way to justification before God [ALFORD]; or "in thee," as Father of the promised seed, namely, Christ (Gal 3:16), who is the Object of faith (Gen 22:18; Psa 72:17), and imitating thy faith (see on Gal 3:9). all nations--or as above, "all the Gentiles" (Gen 12:3; Gen 18:18; Gen 22:18). be blessed--an act of grace, not something earned by works. The blessing of justification was to Abraham by faith in the promise, not by works. So to those who follow Abraham, the father of the faithful, the blessing, that is, justification, comes purely by faith in Him who is the subject of the promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Scripture foreseeing,.... This seems to agree with the Jewish forms or citing passages of Scripture, , "what does the Scripture foresee?" and , (n) "what does the law foresee?" The Scripture here, by a "prosopopeia", is represented as foreseeing an event that would come to pass, and accordingly spoke of it before hand, and designs God the author of the Scripture; and so the Syriac version renders it, "for seeing" , "that God" foreknew, &c. and means either the Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things of God, is privy to all his counsels and decrees, and to this of the justification of the Gentiles; or God the Father, who justifies the uncircumcision through faith, according to his own provision and predetermination of it, before the world was; for he was in Christ, reconciling the world, his elect among the Gentiles, from all eternity; when he resolved not to impute their sins to them, but to his Son, who engaged to be their surety: or rather the Son of God, since he was the preacher of this to Abraham; who lay in the bosom of the Father, and was not only acquainted with all his purposes and determinations, but entered into a covenant with him, for, and on the behalf of the people, the chosen ones, among the Gentiles as well as Jews; and undertook to bring in a righteousness for them, by which, being received by faith, they should evidentially, manifestly, in the court of their own consciences, be justified: wherefore the wisdom of God, the eternal Logos, having such a certain foresight, both as God and as Mediator, concerned in the covenant of grace for his people, that God would justify the Heathen through faith: that is, that whereas a righteousness would be wrought out, and brought in, for the justification of all God's elect, and the doctrine of it be preached among the Gentiles, to whom faith would be given to lay hold on, and receive this righteousness, God would hereby, and hereupon pronounce the sentence of justification in the court of conscience; from whence follow peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; the Scripture, the author, and substance of it, God the Word, preached before, the Gospel unto Abraham; for not to the Father or the Spirit, as to the Son, can preaching be so well ascribed: Christ was the first preacher of the Gospel that ever was; he first preached it to Adam and Eve in the garden, and afterwards to Abraham: it was Gospel, it was good news to him, that the Messiah should spring from him, and all nations be blessed in him; he rejoiced at it, and by faith saw Christ's day and was glad and particularly that part of the Gospel, and which is a principal part of it, justification by faith; and that, as it concerned the Gentiles, was preached unto him; and before his circumcision, of which that was a sign and seal, namely, that the righteousness of faith should be upon the uncircumcised Gentiles; and before the law of works was given on Mount Sinai, and long before the doctrine of justification by faith was preached unto the Gentiles, and they enjoyed the comfort of it; which shows this to be the Gospel, and to be no new doctrine, nor different from what was so early taught; the sum and substance of which lies in these words, "in thee shall all nations be blessed"; the passage referred to, is in Gen 12:3 and is repeated Gen 18:18 and in Ge 22:18 is thus expressed, in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; which shows, that this is not to be understood of Abraham personally, but of his seed; and which cannot intend Isaac, the immediate seed of Abraham, in whom it was never verified; and besides, is carried down to his seed, Gen 26:4 as not terminating in him; and for the same reason it cannot design Jacob, the immediate seed of Isaac; see Gen 28:14 nor the whole body of the Jews, the posterity of Jacob, in whom it never had its completion; for when and how have the nations of the earth been blessed in them? either whilst in their own land, when they would have no conversation with them, neither on a civil or sacred account, unless they conformed to their rites; or since their dispersion, so far from it, that their name is used by way of reproach, and as a proverb, a taunt, and a curse everywhere; but it is to be understood of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the son of Abraham, took upon him the seed of Abraham, and to whom it is applied, Gal 3:16 as by the Apostle Peter, Act 3:25. The phrase being "blessed in" him, does not signify a blessing of themselves or others, or a proverbial expression that should be used among the Gentiles, "God bless thee as Abraham, or the God of Abraham bless thee, or God bless you as he did the Israelites, or seed of Abraham"; for no one instance can be produced of the nations of the world ever using such a form of blessing; no history, sacred or profane, makes mention that these, or any other Jewish forms of blessing, were ever used among the Gentiles: but here it designs blessings in Christ, and not temporal, but spiritual ones, even all spiritual blessings; as redemption, reconciliation, peace, pardon, adoption, sanctification, and eternal life, and particularly justification; this is the blessedness more especially intended, which comes not upon the circumcision only, but the uncircumcision also; and they that partake of this are blessed indeed; for they are justified from all sin, are free from condemnation, secure from the wrath of God, have a title to eternal life, and shall certainly be glorified: and when it is said that "all nations" shall be thus blessed, the meaning is, not that every individual of all nations shall enjoy this happiness, for all are not in Christ, nor have his righteousness imputed to them, nor have faith in him, there are many that will be condemned with the world; but some of all nations, that God will have saved, and Christ has redeemed by his blood; and these are the many he justifies, even all the elect of God, in the various nations of the world. (n) Bemidbar Rabba, Parash. 10. fol. 201. 4. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 122. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 the Scriptures looked forward: By faith, Abraham foresaw the coming Messiah (cp. John 8:56) and received the message that “All nations will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:3; 18:18; 22:18).Through Abraham’s offspring, the Messiah, God would accept all nations on the same basis as Abraham himself—by faith.
Galatians 3:8
Faith and Belief
7Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. 8The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(People God Uses) 04 Knowing the Word of God
By Chuck Smith21K48:08People God UsesLUK 24:27ACT 17:2ACT 19:20ROM 9:17ROM 10:11ROM 11:2GAL 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of running the race of serving the Lord Jesus Christ with all-out effort. He refers to the book of Acts, highlighting the power with which the early believers proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ and the evidence of His resurrection through miracles and signs. The speaker expresses a desire to be able to proclaim the truth with similar signs and wonders in today's doubting world. He also discusses the scarcity of teaching the word of God in today's pulpits and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the Bible through a survey and studying it within its context.
(Genesis) Genesis 15:6-10
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K07:01GenesisGEN 15:6MAT 6:33ROM 4:3GAL 3:6GAL 3:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of making contracts and having written agreements in the time of Abraham. He explains that in those days, contracts were made by joining hands and walking through a sacrifice. However, Abraham, being a practical man, asks God for something in writing to confirm his inheritance of the land. God then tells Abraham to believe in Him, and Abraham's belief is counted as righteousness. This verse is later referenced by Paul in the fourth chapter of Romans.
Essential Principles of the Christian Life - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas1.4K44:31PrinciplesGEN 12:1GAL 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes three simple principles of the Christian life. The first principle is that the form of scripture is the word of God, meaning that when we hold the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, we are holding the word of God. The second principle is that the character of the word of God is gospel, which is good news. This good news is centered around Jesus Christ, who died for our redemption and rose again for our spiritual regeneration. The speaker urges the audience to have faith in this gospel and emphasizes the importance of being truly redeemed, not just caught up in the enthusiasm of a gathering of believers.
Faithfulness of God
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K1:03:24FaithfulnessGEN 3:15EXO 3:2MAT 6:33GAL 3:8GAL 3:13In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own experience of burning out and being left as a heap of ashes. He then discusses the story of Moses and the burning bush as a lesson in understanding God's presence and power. The speaker emphasizes that it is not the size of the bush that matters, but rather whether God is in it. He also highlights the importance of waiting on God's timing and having audacious expectations. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Moses' discovery and the desire to be like a burning bush that continues to burn for God.
The Law of Christ - Part 1
By Charles Leiter77448:46GEN 3:15MAT 5:17ROM 4:13GAL 3:8GAL 3:13EPH 2:14HEB 8:13
This sermon delves into the profound truths revealed in the Bible, emphasizing the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ. It explores the significance of Christ's sacrifice, the blessings of justification by faith, and the unity of the entire Scripture in God's eternal purpose in Christ. The message highlights the surpassing glory of the new covenant over the old, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the church.
Lessons in the Life of Abraham
By Don Courville58853:25GAL 3:8
This sermon delves into the importance of surrendering to God, using the story of Abraham and Isaac as a focal point. It emphasizes the need for total surrender, faith, and obedience to God's authority, highlighting the spiritual warfare that believers face and the victory found in Christ. The sermon also touches on the significance of Isaac as a man of prayer, total surrender, and seeking the Holy Spirit's leading in life.
Promise Believers #2 - a God of Promise (Old Testament)
By Bob Hoekstra5281:03:49EXO 3:10DEU 1:30ISA 42:1MAT 6:33GAL 3:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the discouragement that can come from difficult circumstances. However, he reminds the audience that God is a faithful and unchanging king who has made numerous promises to his people. The speaker emphasizes that even though God's people may face bondage and injustice, God is always with them and promises to fight for them. He encourages the audience to stand on the promise that God will never leave or forsake them and reminds them that victory is a gift from God. The speaker also highlights the unique nature of Jesus as a king who did not come shouting and causing a scene, but rather brought forth justice and blessings through his humble and sacrificial life.
What It Means to Reign
By Billy Strachan44351:01Christian LifeJHN 3:16ACT 1:1GAL 2:20GAL 3:8REV 3:20REV 22:21In this sermon, the speaker focuses on four important aspects of his life that have deeply impacted him. He emphasizes that God chose him and liked him, and that God has given him blessings. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeking God and warns against forsaking Him. Towards the end of the sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David, who experienced success as a king under God's guidance. The speaker emphasizes the need to persevere and "do it" in our faith, drawing from the example of David's reign.
Brownsville Revival, Part 1
By David Ravenhill8159:26RevivalGod's PurposeThe Abrahamic CovenantPSA 67:1PSA 96:3ISA 42:6MAL 1:11ACT 13:36ACT 20:27ROM 8:28GAL 3:8EPH 1:112TI 1:9David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose and calling in the life of believers, using the metaphor of a jigsaw puzzle to illustrate how many Christians possess fragmented pieces of truth without seeing the complete picture. He discusses the significance of the Abrahamic Covenant, highlighting that God's intention was for Israel to be a blessing to all nations, not merely to enjoy His blessings for themselves. Ravenhill warns against the church's focus on conversions over callings, urging believers to recognize their divine purpose and to manifest God's glory in their lives. He stresses that true leadership requires a clear vision of where one is going, and that understanding God's overarching plan is essential for effective ministry.
God's Covenant With Abraham
By Major Ian Thomas41:04:13CovenantRedemptionGAL 3:8Major Ian Thomas expounds on God's covenant with Abraham, emphasizing that the promise made to Abraham was not merely for a nation but specifically for Christ, the singular seed through whom all nations would be blessed. He explains that the law reveals our inability to meet God's standards, leading to a curse, but through Christ's redemptive work, believers are freed from this curse and can receive the Holy Spirit. Thomas highlights the importance of understanding that redemption is not just about forgiveness but about restoring the life of God within us, enabling us to reflect His likeness. He warns against relying on our own efforts to live the Christian life, stressing that true empowerment comes from the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of the transformative power of God's presence in our lives.
Epistle 371
By George Fox0Humility and RighteousnessUnity in ChristGEN 3:15GEN 22:18MAT 11:29ROM 2:24GAL 3:8EPH 2:15EPH 4:30COL 2:31TH 1:4TIT 2:11George Fox emphasizes the significance of the holy seed, Christ, which brings unity and blessings to all nations while destroying the evil seed that causes enmity. He encourages believers to let Christ rule in their hearts, leading to wisdom, knowledge, and righteous living that glorifies God. Fox urges the faithful to remain humble, gentle, and united in the Spirit, warning against pride and strife that disrupts the bond of peace. He calls for the faithful to maintain their worship and business meetings in truth and to reach out to others with the gospel of peace. Ultimately, he desires that all may live in a way that reflects God's glory and the knowledge of the Lord throughout the earth.
Shewing That the Messiah Was Promised to Abraham, and What Advantages the Nations of the World Were to Receive by Him.
By John Gill0MessiahUniversal SalvationGEN 22:18ISA 49:6JER 31:34MAT 1:1JHN 3:16ACT 10:43ROM 10:20GAL 3:8EPH 2:17HEB 2:16John Gill emphasizes that the Messiah was promised to Abraham, highlighting that through Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed. He explains that this seed refers specifically to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the prophecy by offering redemption, justification, and peace to both Jews and Gentiles. Gill argues against the notion that the blessings were limited to the Israelites, asserting that the Messiah's coming was intended for the salvation of all people. He outlines the various advantages the nations would receive, including the outpouring of the Spirit and the abundance of knowledge. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the universal significance of the Messiah in God's plan for humanity.
The Covenants
By Charles Finney0SalvationCovenantsEXO 34:28DEU 9:9JER 31:31MAT 5:17ROM 4:13ROM 8:3ROM 13:9GAL 3:8HEB 8:13HEB 9:18Charles Finney discusses 'The Covenants,' emphasizing the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as outlined in Hebrews 8:13. He explains the nature of covenants, their mutual obligations, and the significance of God's covenants with humanity, including the Adamic, Abrahamic, and Sinai covenants. Finney clarifies that while the Old Covenant is set aside in terms of salvation, its moral precepts remain binding, and the New Covenant fulfills the promises of the previous covenants by writing God's law in the hearts of believers. He urges the congregation to embrace the New Covenant and its implications for their spiritual lives.
Epistle 353
By George Fox0PSA 51:6ECC 1:14JER 50:5MAT 6:33JHN 6:53JHN 8:23ROM 2:28ROM 14:181CO 4:101CO 4:20GAL 3:8George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and the righteousness of His kingdom, emphasizing the need to be heavenly-minded and to believe in the light, grace, and truth that come from Christ. He urges listeners to crucify their wills and be renewed in their inward man, putting off the old Adam to allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine within. Fox highlights the significance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, circumcising the heart with the spirit, and feeding on the heavenly sacrifice of Christ for true life.
Epistle 354
By George Fox0GEN 3:15ISA 66:122CO 5:17GAL 3:8COL 1:18George Fox preaches about the significance of being in Christ as new creatures, contrasting them with the old creatures in Adam who cling to old ways, religions, and worships. He emphasizes the need to worship God in spirit and truth, following the example set by Christ, the heavenly and spiritual second Adam. Fox highlights the importance of being renewed into the image of God, worshipping Him with a pure heart and living according to His will, rather than being entangled in the traditions and rudiments of the world.
Possessing Your Promised Land
By David Wilkerson0Surrender to ChristFaithGEN 18:17MAT 11:28JHN 15:5ROM 8:32GAL 3:8PHP 4:19COL 3:4HEB 4:9JAS 2:23David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of making Jesus Christ the central focus of our lives, urging believers to forsake reliance on their own strength and the influence of others. He illustrates that true intimacy with God, as exemplified by Abraham, requires a complete surrender to Christ as our source of life and direction. Wilkerson challenges the congregation to possess their Promised Land by fully embracing the blessings and provisions won for them at the cross. He calls for a faith that trusts in God's Word, rather than seeking fulfillment in spiritual excitement or human leaders. Ultimately, he invites everyone to find peace and rest in Jesus, who is our everlasting possession.
The Covenant of Abraham
By John Piper0GEN 12:1GEN 15:6ROM 4:1ROM 9:6ROM 15:41CO 3:21GAL 3:8GAL 3:14John Piper preaches about the Covenant of Abraham, emphasizing God's ownership of all things, His purpose to fill the earth with the knowledge of His glory, and the consequences of man's fall into sin due to self-reliance and self-exaltation. He delves into the promises made to Abraham, including a great posterity, justification by faith, and blessings for all families of the earth. Piper explains the conditions of the covenant, highlighting the importance of obedience as a necessary outcome of truly trusting in God's promises. He concludes by revealing that believers today are the heirs of the promises made to Abraham and his seed, emphasizing that through faith in Christ, all the blessings and promises of Abraham are extended to them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Scripture, foreseeing - See the notes on Rom 4:3-16 (note). As God intended to justify the heathen through faith, he preached the Gospel that contains the grand display of the doctrine of salvation by faith, before, to Abraham, while he was in his heathen state; and thus he is called the father of believers: therefore it must refer to them who shall believe the same Gospel among the Gentiles; and, as the door of faith was open to all the Gentiles, consequently the promise was fulfilled: In thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And--Greek, "Moreover." foreseeing--One great excellency of Scripture is, that in it all points liable ever to be controverted, are, with prescient wisdom, decided in the most appropriate language. would justify--rather, "justifieth." Present indicative. It is now, and at all times, God's one way of justification. the heathen--rather, "the Gentiles"; or "the nations," as the same Greek is translated at the end of the verse. God justifieth the Jews, too, "by faith, not by works." But he specifies the Gentiles in particular here, as it was their case that was in question, the Galatians being Gentiles. preached before the gospel--"announced beforehand the Gospel." For the "promise" was substantially the Gospel by anticipation. Compare Joh 8:56; Heb 4:2. A proof that "the old fathers did not look only for transitory promises" [Article VII, Church of England]. Thus the Gospel, in its essential germ, is older than the law though the full development of the former is subsequent to the latter. In thee--not "in thy seed," which is a point not here raised; but strictly "in thee," as followers of thy faith, it having first shown the way to justification before God [ALFORD]; or "in thee," as Father of the promised seed, namely, Christ (Gal 3:16), who is the Object of faith (Gen 22:18; Psa 72:17), and imitating thy faith (see on Gal 3:9). all nations--or as above, "all the Gentiles" (Gen 12:3; Gen 18:18; Gen 22:18). be blessed--an act of grace, not something earned by works. The blessing of justification was to Abraham by faith in the promise, not by works. So to those who follow Abraham, the father of the faithful, the blessing, that is, justification, comes purely by faith in Him who is the subject of the promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Scripture foreseeing,.... This seems to agree with the Jewish forms or citing passages of Scripture, , "what does the Scripture foresee?" and , (n) "what does the law foresee?" The Scripture here, by a "prosopopeia", is represented as foreseeing an event that would come to pass, and accordingly spoke of it before hand, and designs God the author of the Scripture; and so the Syriac version renders it, "for seeing" , "that God" foreknew, &c. and means either the Holy Spirit, who searches the deep things of God, is privy to all his counsels and decrees, and to this of the justification of the Gentiles; or God the Father, who justifies the uncircumcision through faith, according to his own provision and predetermination of it, before the world was; for he was in Christ, reconciling the world, his elect among the Gentiles, from all eternity; when he resolved not to impute their sins to them, but to his Son, who engaged to be their surety: or rather the Son of God, since he was the preacher of this to Abraham; who lay in the bosom of the Father, and was not only acquainted with all his purposes and determinations, but entered into a covenant with him, for, and on the behalf of the people, the chosen ones, among the Gentiles as well as Jews; and undertook to bring in a righteousness for them, by which, being received by faith, they should evidentially, manifestly, in the court of their own consciences, be justified: wherefore the wisdom of God, the eternal Logos, having such a certain foresight, both as God and as Mediator, concerned in the covenant of grace for his people, that God would justify the Heathen through faith: that is, that whereas a righteousness would be wrought out, and brought in, for the justification of all God's elect, and the doctrine of it be preached among the Gentiles, to whom faith would be given to lay hold on, and receive this righteousness, God would hereby, and hereupon pronounce the sentence of justification in the court of conscience; from whence follow peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; the Scripture, the author, and substance of it, God the Word, preached before, the Gospel unto Abraham; for not to the Father or the Spirit, as to the Son, can preaching be so well ascribed: Christ was the first preacher of the Gospel that ever was; he first preached it to Adam and Eve in the garden, and afterwards to Abraham: it was Gospel, it was good news to him, that the Messiah should spring from him, and all nations be blessed in him; he rejoiced at it, and by faith saw Christ's day and was glad and particularly that part of the Gospel, and which is a principal part of it, justification by faith; and that, as it concerned the Gentiles, was preached unto him; and before his circumcision, of which that was a sign and seal, namely, that the righteousness of faith should be upon the uncircumcised Gentiles; and before the law of works was given on Mount Sinai, and long before the doctrine of justification by faith was preached unto the Gentiles, and they enjoyed the comfort of it; which shows this to be the Gospel, and to be no new doctrine, nor different from what was so early taught; the sum and substance of which lies in these words, "in thee shall all nations be blessed"; the passage referred to, is in Gen 12:3 and is repeated Gen 18:18 and in Ge 22:18 is thus expressed, in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; which shows, that this is not to be understood of Abraham personally, but of his seed; and which cannot intend Isaac, the immediate seed of Abraham, in whom it was never verified; and besides, is carried down to his seed, Gen 26:4 as not terminating in him; and for the same reason it cannot design Jacob, the immediate seed of Isaac; see Gen 28:14 nor the whole body of the Jews, the posterity of Jacob, in whom it never had its completion; for when and how have the nations of the earth been blessed in them? either whilst in their own land, when they would have no conversation with them, neither on a civil or sacred account, unless they conformed to their rites; or since their dispersion, so far from it, that their name is used by way of reproach, and as a proverb, a taunt, and a curse everywhere; but it is to be understood of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the son of Abraham, took upon him the seed of Abraham, and to whom it is applied, Gal 3:16 as by the Apostle Peter, Act 3:25. The phrase being "blessed in" him, does not signify a blessing of themselves or others, or a proverbial expression that should be used among the Gentiles, "God bless thee as Abraham, or the God of Abraham bless thee, or God bless you as he did the Israelites, or seed of Abraham"; for no one instance can be produced of the nations of the world ever using such a form of blessing; no history, sacred or profane, makes mention that these, or any other Jewish forms of blessing, were ever used among the Gentiles: but here it designs blessings in Christ, and not temporal, but spiritual ones, even all spiritual blessings; as redemption, reconciliation, peace, pardon, adoption, sanctification, and eternal life, and particularly justification; this is the blessedness more especially intended, which comes not upon the circumcision only, but the uncircumcision also; and they that partake of this are blessed indeed; for they are justified from all sin, are free from condemnation, secure from the wrath of God, have a title to eternal life, and shall certainly be glorified: and when it is said that "all nations" shall be thus blessed, the meaning is, not that every individual of all nations shall enjoy this happiness, for all are not in Christ, nor have his righteousness imputed to them, nor have faith in him, there are many that will be condemned with the world; but some of all nations, that God will have saved, and Christ has redeemed by his blood; and these are the many he justifies, even all the elect of God, in the various nations of the world. (n) Bemidbar Rabba, Parash. 10. fol. 201. 4. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 122. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 the Scriptures looked forward: By faith, Abraham foresaw the coming Messiah (cp. John 8:56) and received the message that “All nations will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:3; 18:18; 22:18).Through Abraham’s offspring, the Messiah, God would accept all nations on the same basis as Abraham himself—by faith.