Romans 15:4

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime, etc..] 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…”

“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 perfect and beautiful model; and so all Scripture relating to these is for our instruction; and since the duty of forbearance, the strong with the…”

“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. Not that this was the “only” purpose of the writings of the Old Testament, to…”

“Aforetime - In the Old Testament. That we through patience and consolation of the scriptures may have hope - That through the consolation which God gives us by these, we may have patience and a joyful hope. Romans 15:5”

“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.”

“whatsoever: Rom 4:23, Rom 4:24; Co1 9:9, Co1 9:10, Co1 10:11; Ti2 3:16, Ti2 3:17; Pe2 1:20, Pe2 1:21 for our learning: Rather, "for our instruction." that: Rom 5:3-5, Rom 8:24, Rom 8:25, Rom 12:12; Psa 119:81-83; Heb 6:10-19, Heb 10:35, Heb 10:36; Jam 5:7-11; Pe1 1:13 Romans 15:5”