For if Abraham were justified by works, he has something in which to boast; but not before God.
All Commentaries on Romans 4:2 Go To Romans 4
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
This is a rhetorical argument. For Abraham indeed does have glory before God, but because of the faith by which he was justified, because nobody is justified by the works of the law in a way which would give him glory before God. And because those who keep the law are still being justified, Paul adds: “If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.” Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
