Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 15:4
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
NIV · New International Version
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
WEB · World English Bible
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
What does Romans 15:4 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime,.... In the books of the Old Testament; the apostle says this, to vindicate the pertinency of the above citation, and to prevent any objection that might be made against it; since whatsoever was written in that psalm did not belong personally to David, but to Christ; and what is written concerning him, is designed for the use and instruction of his people; yea, whatever is written anywhere in the sacred Scriptures, were written for our learning; to instruct in the knowledge of Christ, of his person, offices, grace, righteousness, obedience, sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension; and of the great salvation and redemption he came to…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Romans 15:1–4
(3.) That therefore we must go and do likewise: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning. [1.] That which is written of Christ, concerning his self-denial and sufferings, is written for our learning; he hath left us an example. If Christ denied himself, surely we should deny ourselves, from a principle of ingenuousness and of gratitude, and especially of conformity to his image.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 15:4–6
4. For whatsoever things, etc. This is an application of the example, lest any one should think, that to exhort us to imitate Christ was foreign to his purpose; "Nay," he says, "there is nothing in Scripture which is not useful for your instruction, and for the direction of your life." [440] This is an interesting passage, by which we understand that there is nothing vain and unprofitable contained in the oracles of God; and we are at the same time taught that it is by the reading of the Scripture that we make progress in piety and holiness of life. Whatever then is delivered in Scripture we ought to strive to learn; for it were a reproach offered to the Holy Spirit to think, that he has…
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 15:1–7 (WEB)
1Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up. 3For even Christ didn’t please himself. But, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5Now the God of perseverance and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.
Cross references
- 1 Corinthians 10:11
Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
- Romans 4:23–24
Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone,
- 2 Peter 1:20–21
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.
- Hebrews 10:35–36
Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward.
- Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
- 1 Corinthians 9:9–10
For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it for the oxen that God cares,
- Romans 8:24–25
For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees?
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q5. How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God?
The Bible evidences itself to be God’s Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, its power to convert sinners and to edify saints; but the Spirit of God only, bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in our hearts, is able fully to persuade us that the Bible is the Word of God.