John Calvin Commentary Romans 15:4

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope." — Romans 15:4 (ASV)

For whatsoever things, etc. This is an application of the example, so that no one should think that exhorting us to imitate Christ was foreign to his purpose. “No,” he says, “there is nothing in Scripture that is not useful for your instruction and for the direction of your life.”

This is an interesting passage, from which we understand that there is nothing vain and unprofitable contained in the oracles of God. We are also taught at the same time that it is by reading Scripture that we make progress in piety and holiness of life.

Therefore, whatever is delivered in Scripture we should strive to learn, for it would be a reproach offered to the Holy Spirit to think that he has taught anything that does not concern us to know. Let us also know that whatever is taught us contributes to the advancement of religion.

And though he speaks of the Old Testament, the same thing is also true of the writings of the Apostles. For since the Spirit of Christ is everywhere consistent with itself, there is no doubt that he has adapted his teaching by the Apostles, as formerly by the Prophets, to the edification of his people.

Moreover, we find here a most striking condemnation of those fanatics who boast that the Old Testament is abolished and that it in no way belongs to Christians. For with what audacity can they turn Christians away from those things which, as Paul testifies, have been appointed by God for their salvation?

But when he adds, that through the patience and the consolation of the Scriptures we might have hope, he does not include the whole of that benefit that can be derived from God’s word; rather, he briefly points out the main purpose. For the Scriptures are especially useful for this purpose: to raise up those who are prepared by patience and strengthened by consolations to the hope of eternal life, and to keep them in the contemplation of it.

Some translate the word consolation as exhortation, and I do not disapprove of this; however, consolation is more suitable to patience, since patience arises from it. For only then are we prepared to bear adversities with patience when God blends them with consolation.

The patience of the faithful is not indeed that toughness which philosophers recommend, but that meekness by which we willingly submit to God, while a taste of his goodness and paternal love makes all things sweet to us. This nourishes and sustains hope in us, so that it does not fail.