Romans 15:4 On Biblical Encouragement
Romans 15:4 and the Purpose of Scripture in Encouragement
Romans 15:4 states, "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" [1]. This verse is pivotal in understanding Paul's view on the purpose and function of Scripture in the life of believers.
Literary Context
Romans 15:4 is situated within Paul's exhortation to the Roman Christians to live in harmony with one another, despite their differences in opinion regarding dietary practices and the observance of certain days. The preceding verses (Romans 15:1-3) encourage the strong to bear with the weak and to please their neighbors for their good, following Christ's example. The verse is part of Paul's broader argument that the Scriptures are a source of encouragement and hope for believers.
Historical Setting
Paul wrote Romans around 57-58 AD, during his third missionary journey, as he prepared to visit Jerusalem with a collection for the poor among the saints before potentially traveling to Rome [6]. The letter addresses a diverse audience of Jewish and Gentile Christians, urging them towards unity.
Key Terms and Their Significance
The key terms in Romans 15:4 are "instruction" (or "learning"), "perseverance," "encouragement," and "hope." The word "instruction" (Greek: διδασκαλία, didaskalia) refers to the teaching or learning derived from the Scriptures. "Perseverance" (Greek: ὑπομονή, hypomone) is the steadfast endurance of trials. "Encouragement" (Greek: παραμυθία, paramythia, or παράκλησις, paraklesis, in some manuscripts) is the comfort or exhortation derived from the Scriptures. "Hope" (Greek: ἐλπίς, elpis) is the confident expectation of future blessings.
Major Exegetical Decisions
One major exegetical decision involves understanding the scope of "whatever was written in earlier times." Paul is referring to the Old Testament Scriptures, emphasizing their relevance and applicability to New Testament believers. The phrase "for our instruction" indicates that the Old Testament was not merely a historical record but a didactic tool for the early Christian community.
Range of Interpretations
Interpreters across various traditions have understood Romans 15:4 as affirming the inspirational and instructional value of Scripture. John Calvin notes that the Scriptures provide comfort and patience, enabling believers to hold onto hope [8]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown interpret the verse as indicating that the Old Testament, though written before the time of Christ, remains applicable to Christians, providing them with comfort, patience, and hope through its teachings [7]. The Tyndale House commentary emphasizes that all that was recorded in the Old Testament has relevance to believers, who experience the fulfillment of God's plan [9].
Function in Tradition
Romans 15:4 has played a significant role in Christian theology, particularly in discussions about the nature and purpose of Scripture. It has been used to support the idea that the Old Testament remains relevant and authoritative for Christians. The verse has also been cited in discussions on the role of Scripture in providing encouragement and hope to believers. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, hope is obtained through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures, among other means [5].
The cross-references to Psalms 19:7, 119:50, and 119:92, as noted in OpenBible.info, highlight the thematic connection between Romans 15:4 and the Psalms, which often express the value of God's law and commandments in providing hope and comfort to the psalmist [2, 3, 4]. This connection underscores the continuity between the Old Testament's emphasis on the law as a source of joy and hope and Paul's assertion that the Scriptures are a source of encouragement and hope for believers.
Sources
- Romans “Romans 15:4 (NASB) — For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.19.7 → Rom.15.4 (confidence: 16 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.119.50 → Rom.15.4 (confidence: 17 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.119.92 → Rom.15.4 (confidence: 11 votes)”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 15 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS 15 The apostle in this chapter pursues his exhortation to mutual affection and forbearance, notwithstanding their different sentiments about the use of meats, and observation of days; excuses his writing so freely to them, which they might bear with, in consideration of his being an apostle, especially an apostle of the Gentiles, and which office he magnified and fulfilled everywhere; gives them the reasons why he had not as yet been with them though he greatly desired it, encourages them to expect, a visit from him; and concludes”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 15:4: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning--"instruction" through, &c.--"through the comfort and the patience of the Scriptures" might have hope--that is, "Think not that because such portions of Scripture relate immediately to Christ, they are inapplicable to you; for though Christ's sufferings, as a Saviour, were exclusively His own, the motives that prompted them, the spirit in which they were endured, and the general principle involved in His whole work--self-sacrifice for the good of others--furnish our most per”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 61: to wallow in them? Besides, we are at the same time admonished, that if we would be regarded as the Lord’s people, we must inhabit the holy city Jerusalem (Isaiah rev. 8, et alibi ); which, as he hath consecrated it to himself, it were impious for its inhabitants to profane by impurity. Hence the expressions, “Who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness,” ( Ps. 15:1, 2 ; 24:3, 4); for the sanctuary in which he dwells certainly ought not to be like an uncl”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 15:4: 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us: All that God caused to be recorded in the Old Testament has supreme relevance to believers, who experience the fulfillment of God’s plan.”