because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.
15. For the law causeth wrath, etc. This is a confirmation of the last verse, derived from the contrary effect of the law; for as the law generates nothing but vengeance, it cannot bring grace. It can indeed show to the good and the perfect the way of life: but as it prescribes to the sinful and corrupt what they ought to do, and supplies...
Abraham received justification by faith fourteen or twenty-five years before circumcision, silencing the fears of the uncircumcised Gentiles and humbling the pride of the Jews who boasted in their circumcision as if it held a monopoly on blessing. Circumcision came only afterward as a seal and confirmation of righteousness already imputed.
AI summary
Commenting on Romans 4:9-16
Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace,.... Meaning either the promise of being heir of the world, or the inheritance itself, or adoption which gives heirship, or remission of Sin, or the blessing of justification, either and all of these are of faith; not as the cause or condition of them, but as the means of God's fixing and appointing to...