Abraham is referred to in Matthew (1:1, 2, 17; 3:9; 8:11; 22:32), Mark (12:26), Luke (1:55, 73; 3:8, 34; 13:16, 28; 16:22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30; 19:9; 20:37), John (8:33, 37, 39, 40, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58), Acts (3:13, 25; 7:2, 8, 16, 17, 32; 13:26), Romans (4:1, 2, 3, 9, 12, 13, 16; 9:7; 11:1), 2 Corinthians (11:22); Galatians (3:6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 18, 29; 4:22), Hebrews (2:16; 6:13; 7:1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9; 11:8, 17), James (2:21, 23), and 1 Peter (3:6).
These references utilize Abraham in the following ways:
1. As the founder of the nation of Israel and the one to whom the covenant was made (Matt. 3:9; Luke 1:55,73;3:8;13:16; John 8:33,37,39,40; Acts 3:13,25;7:17;13:26; Rom. 9:7;11:1; 2 Cor. 11:22; Heb. 6:13)
2. As a pivotal figure in the Messianic line (Matt. 1:1,2,17; Luke 3:34; Acts 7:8; Gal. 3:16; Heb. 2:16)
3. As an example of one who lives by faith, in fact, as the father of all the faithful (Matt. 8:11; Luke 13:28;19:9; Rom. 4:16; Gal. 3:29,7-9; Heb. 11:8-19)
4. As a type of God the Father, perhaps the only type of the Father in the Old Testament (John 8:56)
5. As a precedent for salvation by faith, apart from law (Rom. 4:1-3,9-13; Gal. 3:6,14,18; James 2:23)
6. As an illustration of faith being evidenced by works (James 2:21)
7. As a key figure in an allegory, showing the distinctions between law and grace (Gal. 4:22-31)
8. As a confidant of God (Matt. 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 7:2,32)
9. As associated with the blessedness of the believing dead (Luke 16:22-25,29-30;
10. As a highly significant historical figure (John 8:52,53,57,58; Acts 7:16; Heb. 7:4,1-2)
11. As the progenitor of the Aaronic priesthood (Heb. 7:9,5-6)
12. As a husband whose wife set an example of godly submission (1 Peter 3:6)