Romans 15:4

Romans 15:4, in plain English

Everything written in the Old Testament was given to you so you'd have encouragement and hope when life gets hard and you need to keep trusting God.

Why it's here

Paul just quoted the Psalms, and now he's explaining why those old words matter to you today. The Roman Christians were discouraged—divided, uncertain about their standing with God. Paul is saying: 'These ancient stories weren't filed away in a museum. They're alive for you right now.'

Who's speaking

Paul

Where it sits in the story

This is Paul's theology of Scripture—it's not dead history; it's a living conversation between God and His people across time. Every story, every lament, every triumph was recorded so that you, reading it centuries later, would know you're not alone and that God is faithful.

The scholarly reading

Scripture was written expressly for believers in every age to provide perseverance and hope through its encouragement.

Language and setting

Paul validates the Old Testament as Scripture (not merely historical document) with contemporary relevance—a significant theological claim in communities still debating which texts possessed authority. The twin virtues of endurance (hypomenē—'remaining under') and encouragement (paraklēsis—'calling alongside') were essential for persecuted minorities.

Voice

Paul

Significance

This reflects the apostolic principle that the Hebrew scriptures were always oriented toward the Messiah and his people. It anticipates the hermeneutical conviction that drove medieval and Reformation commentary—that every text somehow converges on Christ and speaks to present circumstance.

2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

3For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”

4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

5Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,

6so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read all of Romans 15 — The strong must bear with the weak. Christ did not please himself. Paul's vision for the church is a chorus of diverse voices glorifying God together.