^{16 Ref} For this reason it is of faith, so that it may be through grace; and so that the word of God may be certain to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

^{17 Ref} (As it is said in the holy Writings, I have made you a father of a number of nations) before him in whom he had faith, that is, God, who gives life to the dead, and to whom the things which are not are as if they were.

^{18 Ref} Who without reason for hope, in faith went on hoping, so that he became the father of a number of nations, as it had been said, So will your seed be.