Why were the Old Testament writings given according to Romans 15:4?
Paul explains that the Old Testament writings were given for our learning. Everything written aforetime, before Paul wrote, is for the believer's learning. Therefore these Scriptures are not to be ignored, but studied and applied, because they instruct and provide application for believers today.
Les teaches that when Paul speaks of Scripture or things written aforetime in Romans 15:4, he is referring to the Old Testament. Les emphasizes that all the things written in the Old Testament are written for our learning, and everything written before Paul wrote is for the believer's learning. He clarifies he never says to avoid the Old Testament or the Gospels; rather, even though Church doctrine is not in the Gospels, they are still to be studied and applied. He illustrates application with Jesus telling the twelve they are the light of the world, a role Israel rejected, now applied to believers.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
More Questions
What does 'whatsoever things were written aforetime' refer to in Romans 15:4?
In Romans 15:4, the 'things written aforetime' refers to the Old Testament.