Romans 4:1

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh?

'What then shall we say' -the phrase anticipates an objection or proposes an inference (Romans 4:1; Romans 6:1; Romans 7:7; Romans 8:31; Romans 9:14) (Vincent p. 50)

'according to the flesh' -'What did Abraham gain by his own human efforts', or, 'what did Abraham our fleshly father find'

'In the way of natural human effort'. (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 615)

"Paul is essentially saying: 'Now, does the case of Abraham help us in determining what I've just said is true or false?' If his case in Romans 3:21-31 is well-founded then it could be tested by Abraham's case. If anyone "according to the flesh" could come up with anything, surely Abraham could have managed it. If Abraham's case well-founded with Paul's thesis then it was made, for no Jew would have the nerve to deny justification on the ground of moral excellence to Abraham while claiming it for himself "

'What about Abraham, then? If it is. man's works that justify him in God's sight, Abraham would have. better chance than most--and he would be entitled to take some credit for it..'

'For the test he selects Abraham, the father of the race..no more fitting individual could be chosen, for the nation had never claimed that it had risen higher than its head; therefore, whatever could be proved as to Abraham must be conceded to be true as to all..'