¹ tc Most mss (D F G Ψ 33 1881 Ï it) read “he did not consider” by including the negative particle (οὐ, ou), but others (א A B C 6 81 365 1506 1739 pc co) lack οὐ. The reading which includes the negative particle probably represents a scribal attempt to exalt the faith of Abraham by making it appear that his faith was so strong that he did not even consider the physical facts. But “here Paul does not wish to imply that faith means closing one’s eyes to reality, but that Abraham was so strong in faith as to be undaunted by every consideration” (TCGNT 451). Both on external and internal grounds, the reading without the negative particle is preferred.

² tc ‡ Most witnesses (א A C D Ψ 33 Ï bo) have ἤδη (hdh, “already”) at this point in v. 19. But B F G 630 1739 1881 pc lat sa lack it. Since it appears to heighten the style of the narrative and since there is no easy accounting for an accidental omission, it is best to regard the shorter text as original. NA²⁷ includes the word in brackets, indicating doubt as to its authenticity.

³ tn That is, before we were in Christ.

⁴ tn Or “sinful passions.”

⁵ tn Grk “our members”; the words “of our body” have been supplied to clarify the meaning.

⁶ tn Greek emphasizes the contrast between these two clauses more than can be easily expressed in English.

⁷ tn Or “life-giving.” Grk “the Spirit is life.”

⁸ tn Grk “are about to, are certainly going to.”

⁹ sn This remark is parenthetical to Paul’s argument.