(8) And he received the (f) sign of circumcision, a (g) seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: (9) that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
(8) A preventing of an objection: why then was Abraham circumcised, if he was already justified? That the gift of righteousness (he says) might be confirmed in him.
(f) Circumcision, which is a sign: as we say the "ordinance of baptism", for "baptism", which is a ordinance.
(g) Circumcision was previously called a sign, with respect to the outward ceremony. Now Paul shows the force and substance of that sign. That is, to what end it is used, that is, not only to signify, but also to seal up the righteousness of faith. By this we come to possess Christ himself: for the Holy Spirit works that inwardly indeed, which the ordinances being joined with the word, represent. (9) An applying of the example of Abraham to the uncircumcised believers, whose father he also makes Abraham.