What does Genesis 18:16-19:29 mean?
Genesis 18:16-19:29 teaches that God does not ignore sin, but he listens to Abraham, rescues Lot, and judges Sodom justly. The passage shows both mercy and warning: God spares the righteous and destroys the wicked city. Early Christian writers such as Clement of Rome, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, and Novatian often used this story to teach the same point. Some also saw the Lord who spoke with Abraham as a hint of Christ.
116 early-church witnesses · 170 source quotations · compared with Scripture
What does Genesis 18:16-19:29 mean?
Genesis 18:16-19:29 means that God heard Sodom’s evil, answered Abraham’s prayer, and saved Lot before bringing judgment on the city. Abraham’s questions show that God judges fairly and does not sweep away the righteous with the wicked. The final fire on Sodom is a warning that sin brings real judgment, but the rescue of Lot shows mercy to those God preserves. Early Christian writers often used this passage in the same way, and many also said the Lord who spoke with Abraham points to Christ.
Many more early Christian quotations, Bible passages, and source links are gathered below so you can study the evidence for yourself.
Passage context
In Genesis 18, Abraham receives visitors, and the Lord tells him that Sodom and Gomorrah are under judgment. Abraham pleads for the city, asking whether God will spare it if righteous people are found there. In Genesis 19, two angels go to Sodom, warn Lot to leave, and bring him out before the city is destroyed. The passage ends with smoke rising from the land after the judgment.
Why early Christian sources matter
Early Christian writers help show how this passage was read very early in the church. Clement of Rome, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, and Novatian all used Lot’s rescue and Sodom’s destruction as a lesson about God’s justice, mercy, and coming judgment. Some of them also connected the Lord’s appearance to Abraham with Christ, which shows one major early interpretation of the scene. Their readings are mostly consistent on the moral lesson, even when they differ on details.
Common interpretation points
- The strongest shared early Christian theme is Sodom as a warning example of judgment.
- Several writers treat the Lord’s appearance to Abraham as a Christ hint, but not every card explains that scene the same way.
- The passage itself does not answer every later question about angels, the Lord’s identity, or Lot’s wife, so those details should be handled carefully.
Evidence-Based Summary
Genesis 18:16-19:29 means that God heard Sodom’s evil, listened to Abraham’s plea, and rescued Lot before judging the city with fire. Early Christian writers like Justin Martyr, Clement of Rome, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, and Novatian used this passage to teach both God’s justice and his mercy, and many also read the Lord’s appearance to Abraham as pointing to the Son.
The witness is broad on Sodom’s judgment and Lot’s rescue, but mixed or indirect on the exact identity of the visitors to Abraham. The evidence is thin for any claim beyond the plain sense of the passage and the common early Christian use of it as an example of judgment, mercy, and warning.
Key Takeaways
- God judged Sodom for great evil, but he rescued Lot because he was merciful to him.
- Abraham’s pleading shows that God’s justice is fair and not careless.
- Early Christians commonly used this passage as a warning about sin and judgment.
- Some early writers also saw the Lord’s visit to Abraham as a sign of Christ.
Questions Answered by the Sources
Did Abraham ask God to spare Sodom if righteous people were there?
Yes. Abraham asked whether God would spare the city for the sake of the righteous, and he kept lowering the number from fifty down to ten. Early Christian writers used this to show that God judges fairly and that Abraham appealed to divine mercy, not blind destruction.
-
Genesis 18:23 Direct teaching
Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
-
Genesis 18:26 Direct teaching
And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
-
Genesis 18:24 Direct teaching
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
-
Genesis 18:28 Direct teaching
But if the fifty righteous should be diminished to forty-five, wilt thou destroy the whole city because of the five wanting? And he said, I will not destroy it, if I should find there forty-five.
-
Genesis 18:29 Direct teaching
And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.
-
Genesis 18:30 Direct teaching
And he said, Will there be anything against me, Lord, if I shall speak? but if there be found there thirty? And he said, I will not destroy it for the thirty’s sake.
-
Genesis 18:32 Direct teaching
Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”
-
Genesis 18:31 Direct teaching
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.
-
Genesis 18:17 Supporting witness
And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham my servant what things I intend to do?
-
Genesis 18:33 Supporting witness
And the Lord departed, when he left off speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.
-
Clement of Rome, Connection to Genesis 18:27 Supporting witness
Abraham was specially honoured, and was called the friend of God; yet he, earnestly regarding the glory of God, humbly declared, I am but dust and ashes.
-
Clement of Rome, Connection to Genesis 18:27 Supporting witness
Genesis 18:27 Moreover, it is thus written of Job, Job was a righteous man, and blameless, truthful, God-fearing, and one that kept himself from all evil.
Was Lot saved because God was merciful?
Yes. Lot was brought out because the LORD was merciful to him, even while the city was being judged. Clement of Rome, Clement of Alexandria, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and others used Lot as an example of God saving the righteous and warning the disobedient.
-
Genesis 19:16 Direct teaching
And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
-
Genesis 19:15 Direct teaching
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
-
Genesis 19:1 Direct teaching
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
-
Genesis 19:10 Direct teaching
And the men stretched forth their hands and drew Lot in to them into the house, and shut the door of the house.
-
Genesis 19:12 Direct teaching
And the men said to Lot, Hast thou here sons-in-law, or sons or daughters, or if thou hast any other friend in the city, bring them out of this place.
-
Genesis 19:14 Direct teaching
And Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law who had married his daughters, and said, Rise up, and depart out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city; but he seemed to be speaking absurdly before his sons-in-law.
-
Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Direct teaching
Because of his hospitality and godliness, Lot was saved from Sodom when the entire surrounding area was punished with fire and brimstone, the Lord thus showing that He does not abandon those who hope in Him, but gives up those who turn away from Him to punishment and suffering. For Lot’s wife, who went with him, having a different mindset and not staying in agreement with him regarding the command given to them, became an example by turning into a pillar of salt to this day. This happened so that everyone would understand that those who are indecisive and distrust the power of God bring judgment on themselves and become a warning to all future generations.
-
Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness
On account of his hospitality and godliness, Lot was saved out of Sodom when all the country round was punished by means of fire and brimstone, the Lord thus making it manifest that He does not forsake those that hope in Him, but gives up such as depart from Him to punishment and torture.
-
Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness
For hospitality and piety, Lot was saved from Sodom.
-
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Supporting witness
Lot, being uncircumcised, was saved from Sodom, the angels themselves and the Lord sending him out.
-
Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness
For this (retrospection) He had been against their making, whom He had rescued out of Sodom. Genesis 19:17
-
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Supporting witness
And Lot sat in the gate of Sodom;’ and what follows until, ‘But the men put forth their hands, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door of the house;’ and what follows till, ‘And the angels laid hold on his hand, and on the hand of his wife, and on the hands of his daughters, the Lord being merciful to him.
More related quotations from this section 4 shown
-
Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness
For Jesus spared both the one and the other, that they might not be smitten with blindness, as the men of Sodom were when they conspired against the beauty of the angels entertained by Lot.
-
Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness
.... He instructed those at the time of the flood through Noah; the people of Sodom through hospitable Lot; those after the flood through Melchizedek, the patriarchs, and Job, the beloved of God; the Egyptians through Moses; the Israelites through him, and Joshua, and Caleb, and Phinehas, and the rest; those after the law through angels and prophets, and the same people by His own incarnation from the Virgin; those a little before His bodily appearing through John His forerunner, and the same people by that same man after Christ's birth, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," Matthew 3:2; and those after His passion through us, the twelve apostles, and Paul, the chosen vessel. Therefore we, who have been counted worthy of the favor of being witnesses of His appearing, together with James the brother of our Lord, and the other seventy-two disciples, and his seven deacons, have heard from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with exact knowledge declare what the will of God is, that good and acceptable and perfect will, Romans 12:2, which is made known to us by Jesus: that none should perish, but that all men with one accord should believe in Him, and with one min
-
Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness
those at the flood by Noah; the inhabitants of Sodom by hospitable Lot;
-
Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Supporting witness
...ls, were saved by water. Whereunto also baptism by a like figure now saves you." And with regard to Sodom and Gomorrah, let them tell us whether they believe the prophetic words to be those of the Creator God, of Him, namely, who is related to have rained upon them a shower of fire and brimstone. What does Ezekiel the prophet say of them? "Sodom," he says, "shall be restored to her former condition." But why, in afflicting those who deserve punishment, does He not afflict them for their good? He also says to Chaldea, "You have coals of fire. Sit upon them; they will be a help to you." And of those also who fell in the desert, let them hear what is related in the seventy-eighth Psalm, which bears the superscription of Asaph. For he says, "When He slew them, then they sought Him." He does not say that some sought Him after others had been slain, but he says that the destruction of those who were killed was of such a nature that, when put to death, they sought God. By all this it is established that the God of the Law and the Gospels is one and the same, a just and good God, and that He confers benefits justly, and punishes with kindness; since neither goodness without justice, nor
Did the early Christians teach that Sodom was destroyed as a warning?
Yes. Early Christian writers repeatedly said Sodom’s fire was an example of God’s righteous judgment and a warning for later people. Irenaeus, Origen, Tatian, Novatian, and Victorinus all used the destruction to teach that unbelief and wickedness bring real judgment.
-
Genesis 19:24 Direct teaching
Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven.
-
Genesis 19:13 Direct teaching
For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
-
Genesis 19:28 Supporting witness
Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace.
-
Genesis 19:29 Supporting witness
And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had dwelt.
-
2 Peter 2:6 Supporting witness
and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;
-
Jude 1:7 Supporting witness
as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Supporting witness
...now until Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all; likewise, in the days of Lot, they ate and drank, they bought and sold, they planted and built, until Lot left Sodom; it rained fire from heaven and destroyed them all: so shall it be at the coming of the Son of man.” “Therefore, watch, for you don’t know on what day your Lord will come.” In these passages, He declares the same Lord, who in the times of Noah brought the flood because of man’s disobedience, and who also in the days of Lot rained fire from heaven because of the multitude of sinners among the Sodomites, and who, due to this same disobedience and similar sins, will bring the day of judgment at the end of time; on which day, He declares, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city and house which does not receive the word of His apostles. “And you, Capernaum,” He said, “will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to hell. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Truly I say to you, that it will be more tolerable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Direct teaching
...erving the archetype, the formation of Adam. It was He who rained fire and brimstone from heaven on Sodom and Gomorrah in the time of Lot, “an example of the righteous judgment of God,” so that all may know, “that every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and thrown into the fire.” He also warned that it will be more bearable for Sodom in the general judgment than for those who witnessed His wonders and did not believe in Him or accept His teachings. For as He gave a greater privilege to those who believed in Him and did His will through His coming, He also made it clear that those who did not believe in Him would face harsher punishment in judgment, ensuring equal justice for all. He expects more from those to whom He gives more; not because He reveals the knowledge of another Father, as I have shown thoroughly, but because through His coming, He has granted the human race the greater gift of paternal grace.
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness
And again, referring to the destruction of the Sodomites, the Scripture says, “Then the rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the out of heaven.” For it here points out that the Son, who had also been talking with Abraham, had received power to judge the Sodomites for their wickedness.
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Supporting witness
And it was He who rained fire and brimstone from heaven, in the days of Lot, upon Sodom and Gomorrah, “an example of the righteous judgment of God,” that all may know, “that every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be cut down, and cast into the fire.” And it is He who uses [the words], that it will be more tolerable for Sodom in the general judgment than for those who beheld His wonders, and did not believe on Him, nor receive His doctrine.
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Supporting witness
For as He gave by His advent a greater privilege to those who believed on Him, and who do His will, so also did He point out that those who did not believe on Him should have a more severe punishment in the judgment;
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Supporting witness
For the ruin, certainly, of those who do not believe Him, to whom also He has threatened a greater damnation in the judgment-day than that of Sodom and Gomorrah;
More related quotations from this section 10 shown
-
Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Supporting witness
And with regard to Sodom and Gomorrha, let them tell us whether they believe the prophetic words to be those of the Creator God — of Him, viz., who is related to have rained upon them a shower of fire and brimstone.
-
Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness
... came and took them all away. So the coming of the Son of Man will be. And as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But on the day Lot went out from Sodom, the Lord rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. So it will be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, whoever is on the roof, with his garments in the house, must not go down to take them. And he who is in the field must not turn back behind him. Remember Lot's wife. Whoever desires to save his life will destroy it, but whoever destroys his life will save it. Truly I say to you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken, and the other left. Two women will be grinding at one mill; one will be taken, and the other left. And two will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left. They answered and said to him, "To what place, our Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will gather." Be attentive now, for you do not know at what hour your Lord comes. Know this: if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have stayed alert and would not have a
-
Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness
...ut know this: the kingdom of God has come near to you.' I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for that city. Then Jesus began to rebuke the cities where many mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. And he said, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the signs that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, perhaps they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. However, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, which are exalted to heaven, will go down to Hades. For if the wonders that were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. And now I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
-
Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness
Matthew 10:15 And verily I say unto you, To the land of Sodom and Gomorrha there shall be rest in the day of judgement, rather than to that city.
-
Tatian, The Diatessaron Supporting witness
...our feet as a testimony against them. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city."
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness
...ppropriately designated them with the title of Lord. And again, referring to the destruction of the Sodomites, Scripture says, “Then the rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the out of heaven.” For it points out here that the Son, who had also been speaking with Abraham, had received the power to judge the Sodomites for their wickedness. And this following text declares the same truth: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of Your kingdom is a right scepter. You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity: therefore God, Your God, has anointed You.” For the Spirit designates both by the name of God—both Him who is anointed as Son, and Him who does the anointing, that is, the Father. And again: “God stood in the congregation of the gods; He judges among the gods.” Here, He refers to the Father and the Son, and those who have received the adoption; these are the Church. For she is the synagogue of God, which God—that is, the Son Himself—has gathered to Himself. Of whom He speaks again: “The God of gods, the Lord has spoken, and has called the earth.” Who is meant by God? He of whom He has said, “God shall come openly, our God, and shall not k
-
Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
Whence also, that there might be no doubt but that it was He who was the of Abraham on the destruction of the people of Sodom, it is declared: Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrha fire and brimstone from the Lord out of heaven.
-
Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
but in the overturning of Sodom, the Lord rained fire from the Lord.
-
Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness
Or when he holds in his hands: The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrha fire and brimstone from the Lord from heaven?
-
Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Supporting witness
on which day He declares that it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city and house which shall not receive the word of His apostles.
Did early Christians think the Lord who visited Abraham was Christ?
Many early Christians did. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Novatian, Victorinus, and the Apostolic Constitutions connected the Lord’s appearance and speech with Abraham to the Son, not just to a random messenger. This reading is common in the early writers, but the passage itself is still read differently by some Christians today.
-
Genesis 18:1 Direct teaching
And God appeared to him by the oak of Mamre, as he sat by the door of his tent at noon.
-
Genesis 18:16 Direct teaching
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
-
Genesis 18:22 Direct teaching
And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
-
Genesis 18:20 Direct teaching
Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,
-
Ignatius, Epistles of Ignatius Direct teaching
...eclared that there was only one God, also acknowledged our Lord when he said, “The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the Lord.” Again, “And God said, Let Us make man in our image: and so God made man, in the image of God He made him.” Furthermore, “In the image of God He made man.” And that [the Son of God] was to become man is shown by Moses when he says, “The Lord will raise up a prophet for you from your brethren, like me.”
-
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Supporting witness
...e of life, and Sarah shall have a son.’ And shortly after: ‘The men rose from there, looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham went with them to see them off. And the Lord said, I will not hide from Abraham, my servant, what I am doing.’ And again, soon after, it says: ‘The Lord said, The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and their sins are very grievous. I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to their cry which has come to me; and if not, I will know. The men turned away from there and went to Sodom. But Abraham stood before the Lord; and Abraham came forward and said, Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked?’" Having said this, I thought it unnecessary to repeat all the same words again, having already written them before, but I will provide those by which I proved the point to Trypho and his companions. Then I continued with what follows, where these words are recorded: ‘And the Lord went His way when He had finished speaking with Abraham, and [Abraham] returned to his place. Two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom;’ and what follows until, ‘But the men reached out their hands and
-
Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
...at He often came to visit the human race. To this, moreover, Moses added the example of God seen by Abraham at the oak of Mature, when he was sitting at the opening of his tent at noon. And yet, although he had seen three men, note that he called one of them Lord. And when he had washed their feet, he offers them bread baked on the ashes, with butter and plenty of milk itself, and urges them, being kept as guests, to eat. After this he also hears that he should be a father, and learns that Sarah his wife should bear a son by him. He also recognizes, concerning the destruction of the people of Sodom, what they deserve to suffer, and learns that God had come down because of the cry of Sodom. In this place, if they insist that the Father was seen at that time and received with hospitality together with two angels, the heretics have believed the Father to be visible. But if it was an angel, although one of the three angels is called Lord, why, although it is not usual, is an angel called God? Unless because, in order that the Father's proper invisibility may be preserved, and that the proper inferiority may be left to the angel, it was only God the Son, who also is God, who was seen
-
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Supporting witness
...r Moses says in Exodus: 'The Lord spoke to Moses, and said to him, I am the Lord, and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as their God; and my name I revealed not to them, and I established my covenant with them.' He also says, 'A man wrestled with Jacob,' and asserts it was God; narrating that Jacob said, 'I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.' It is recorded he called the place the Face of God (Peniel), where He wrestled with him, appeared to, and blessed him. Moses says that God also appeared to Abraham near the oak in Mamre, while he was sitting at the door of his tent at noon. He continues, 'And he lifted up his eyes, looked, and, behold, three men stood before him; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them.' Shortly after, one of them promises a son to Abraham: 'Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old? Is anything impossible with God? At the appointed time, I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.' And they left Abraham. Again he speaks of them: 'And the men rose up and looked toward Sodom.' Then to Abraham He who was and is speaks again: 'I will not hide from Abraham, my servant, what I intend to do.'" I quoted and
-
Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness
... the ancient prophecies and the Gospels testify that He is the son of Abraham and the son of David. Genesis itself points ahead to Him when it says, "To you I will give it, and to your seed." Genesis 17:8 He is spoken of when it shows how a man wrestled with Jacob. He is also spoken of when it says, "A prince shall not fail from Judah, nor a leader from between his thighs, until He comes to whom it has been promised; and He shall be the expectation of the nations." Genesis 49:10 Moses speaks of Him when he says, "Provide another whom You may send." Exodus 4:13 He is again spoken of by the same Moses when he testifies, saying, "God will raise up for you a Prophet from your brothers; listen to Him as if to me." Deuteronomy 18:15 It is He also whom he speaks of when he says, "You shall see your life hanging in doubt night and day, and you shall not believe Him." Deuteronomy 28:66 Isaiah also points to Him: "There shall come forth a rod from the root of Jesse, and a flower shall grow up from his root." Isaiah 11:1 The same prophet also says, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son." Isaiah 7:13 He refers to Him when he lists the healings that would come from Him, saying, "T
-
Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
... the ancient prophecies and the Gospels testify that He is the son of Abraham and the son of David. Genesis itself points to Him when it says, "To you I will give it, and to your seed," Genesis 17:8. He is spoken of when it shows how a man wrestled with Jacob. He too is spoken of when it says, "There shall not fail a prince from Judah, nor a leader from between his thighs, until He shall come to whom it has been promised; and He shall be the expectation of the nations," Genesis 49:10. Moses speaks of Him when he says, "Provide another whom You may send," Exodus 4:13. He is spoken of again by the same Moses when he testifies, saying, "God will raise up for you a Prophet from your brothers; listen to Him as if to me," Deuteronomy 18:15. It is He also that he speaks of when he says, "You shall see your life hanging in doubt night and day, and you shall not believe Him," Deuteronomy 28:66. Isaiah also points to Him: "There shall go forth a rod from the root of Jesse, and a flower shall grow up from his root," Isaiah 11:1. The same prophet also says, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son," Isaiah 7:13. He refers to Him when he lists the healings that were to come from Him,
-
Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness
...vinity, which if He were not God He could not give. If Christ was only man, how did He say, “Before Abraham was, I Am”? For no man can be before him from whom he himself is. Nor can it be that anyone should have been before him from whom he himself has taken his origin. And yet Christ, although He is born of Abraham, says that He is before Abraham. Either, therefore, He says what is not true, and deceives, if He was not before Abraham, since He was of Abraham; or He does not deceive, if He is also God, and was before Abraham. And if this were not so, it follows that, being of Abraham, He could not be before Abraham. If Christ was only man, how does He say, “And I know them, and my sheep follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish”? And yet, since every man is bound by the laws of mortality, and therefore is unable to keep himself forever, much more will he be unable to keep another forever. But Christ promises to give salvation forever, which if He does not give, He is a deceiver; if He gives, He is God. But He does not deceive, for He gives what He promises. Therefore He is God who offers eternal salvation, which man, being unable to keep himself foreve
-
Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
...vinity, which He could not give if He were not God. If Christ was only man, how did He say, "Before Abraham was, I Am"? For no man can be before the one from whom he himself comes. Nor can it be that anyone should be earlier than the one from whom he has taken his origin. And yet Christ, although He is born of Abraham, says that He is before Abraham. Either, therefore, He says what is not true and deceives, if He was not before Abraham, since He was of Abraham; or He does not deceive, if He is also God and was before Abraham. And if this were not so, it follows that, being of Abraham, He could not be before Abraham. If Christ was only man, how does He say, "And I know them, and my sheep follow me; and I give to them eternal life, and they shall never perish"? And yet every man is bound by the laws of mortality, and therefore cannot keep himself forever. Much more, then, he cannot keep another forever. But Christ promises to give salvation forever. If He does not give it, He is a deceiver; if He gives it, He is God. But He does not deceive, for He gives what He promises. Therefore He is God who offers eternal salvation, which man cannot give to another, since he cannot keep even
More related quotations from this section 5 shown
-
Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness
...; in the image of God He made him"? Or when he holds in his hands this passage: "The Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the Lord out of heaven"? Or when he reads these words, said to Christ: "You are my Son; this day I have begotten You. Ask of me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession"? Or when that beloved writer also says: "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make Your enemies the stool of Your feet"? Or when, unfolding the prophecies of Isaiah, he finds it written like this: "Thus says the Lord to Christ my Lord"? Or when he reads: "I came down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me"? Or when he finds it written: "Because He who sent me is greater than I"? Or when he considers the passage: "I go to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God"? Or when he finds this set beside other statements: "Moreover, in your law it is written that the witness of two men is true. I bear witness of myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness of me"? Or when the voice from heaven says: "I have both glorified Him, and I will glorify Him again"? O
-
Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
...od made man; in the image of God He made him"? Or when he holds in his hands, "The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the Lord from heaven"? Or when he reads, as said to Christ, "You are my Son, this day I have begotten You. Ask of me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession"? Or when that beloved writer also says, "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make Your enemies the stool of Your feet"? Or when, unfolding the prophecies of Isaiah, he finds it written this way, "Thus says the Lord to Christ my Lord"? Or when he reads, "I came not down from heaven to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me"? Or when he finds it written, "Because He who sent me is greater than I"? Or when he considers the passage, "I go to my Father, and your Father; to my God, and your God"? Or when he finds this placed alongside the others, "Moreover, in your law it is written that the witness of two is true. I bear witness of myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness of me"? Or when the voice from heaven says, "I have both glorified Him, and I will glorify Him again"? Or when Peter answe
-
Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
And this Lord was the God seen by Abraham;
-
Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness
Genesis 19:24 Him did Jacob see as a man, and said: I have seen God face to face, and my soul is preserved.
-
Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness
Whence also, that there might be no doubt but that it was He who was the of Abraham on the destruction of the people of Sodom, it is declared: Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrha fire and brimstone from the Lord out of heaven.
Common Questions
Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because their sin was very grave, and the city would not be spared once judgment came.
Why did Abraham keep asking God to spare the city?
Abraham asked because he believed God would not destroy the righteous with the wicked, and he kept pleading for mercy if righteous people were found.
Who saved Lot from Sodom?
The angels led Lot out, and Genesis says the LORD was merciful to him.
What is the main lesson of Genesis 18:16-19:29?
God judges evil, hears righteous prayer, and rescues Lot before destroying Sodom.
Did early Christians think this passage pointed to Christ?
Many early Christians did, especially when they spoke about the Lord who appeared to Abraham.
Source Index for Genesis 18:16-19:29
The guided sections above show the strongest quotations. This compact index highlights 134 ranked source links from 170 compiled sources for deeper study.
Source index 134 ranked links shown
Early Christian Writings 80 shown of 116
Primary-source quotations from early Christian writers and church documents.
-
Clement of Rome, Connection to Genesis 18:27
Bible Passages 54 included
Related Bible passages saved for comparison with the early Christian quotations.
Related Resources
Course Lesson
Practical Example One: Genesis 18
Open a related course lesson for more teaching connected with Genesis 18:16-19:29.
Course Lesson
Practical Example Two: Genesis 19
Open a related course lesson for more teaching connected with Genesis 18:16-19:29.
Site Page
Genesis 11:1-9
Compare another early Christian topic page with related source quotations.
Site Page
Genesis 1:1-2:3
Compare another early Christian topic page with related source quotations.
Site Page
Genesis 1:26-31
Compare another early Christian topic page with related source quotations.