ACC ~ Romans 15 v4

FOR OUR INSTRUCTION. ORIGEN: This is similar to what Paul says elsewhere: “these things were written down for our instruction.” … “Encouragement of the Scriptures” is given not to those who neither believe nor understand them but only to those who do. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

THE SCRIPTURES ENABLE HOPE AND PATIENCE. CHRYSOSTOM: These things were written so that we might not fall away, for we have many battles to fight, both inward and outward. But being comforted by the Scriptures we can exhibit patience, so that by living in patience we might dwell in hope. For these things produce one another—hope brings forth patience, and patience, hope. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 27.

THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES. PELAGIUS: No Scripture is written without reason, for the merits and temptations of the righteous contribute to our edification, because they so very obviously lived for God. Through the encouragement of the Scriptures we await with great patience the hope which is to come. … Those who enjoy the encouragement of the law cannot be moved by any temptation. By the examples of patience and encouragement which have been written down, we may hope for encouragement both in present temptations and … in the future. For it is great cause for encouragement if we know that our Lord and his saints have already borne the things which we suffer. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

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