For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
What does Romans 15:4 mean?
Christian liberty was allowed, not for our pleasure, but for the glory of God, and the good of others.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Romans 15:2-6 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things ... - This is a "general" observation which struck the mind of the apostle, from the particular case which he had just specified. He had just made use of a striking passage in the Psalms to his purpose. The thought seems suddenly to have occurred to him that "all" the Old Testament was admirably adapted to express Christian duties and doctrine, and he therefore turned aside from his direct argument to express this sentiment. It should be read as a parenthesis. Were written aforetime - That is, in ancient times; in the Old Testament. For our learning - For our "teaching" or instruction.
Key words
- whatsoever
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For whatsoever things were written aforetime,.
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For whatsoever things were written aforetime,.
Context in Romans 15
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Romans 15 belongs to the late movement of the book, especially the section often described as Israel, mercy, and transformed life. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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