that arise from the Abraham example that Paul wishes to develop: “law,” “promise,” “seed,” and “inheritance.” It is therefore not plausible to explain the “for” as if Paul were simply substantiating a point from the preceding argument.16 The contention that Abraham’s promise did not come διὰ νόμου (“through a law”)17 implies an antithesis between legalistic obedience and righteousness through faith that reaches back to 3:27–31*18 and indeed clear back to the dominant thesis of the letter