Romans 1:2

Had promised afore [π ρ ο ε π η γ γ ε ι λ α τ ο]. Only here in the New Testament. Rev., He promised afore. Paul's Old Testament training is manifest. Naturally, in beginning the more precise description of the new revelation, he refers first to its connection with ancient prophecy. The verb ejpaggellomai; means more than to proclaim. It occurs frequently, and always in the sense of profess or promise. See Mark 14:11; Acts 7:5; 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 6:21.

Prophets. Not limited to the prophets proper, but including all who, in the Old Testament, have prophesied the Gospel - Moses, David, etc. Compare Hebrews 1:1.

In the holy scriptures [ε ν γ ρ α φ α ι ς α γ ι α ι ς]. Or, more strictly, in holy writings. The scriptures would require the article. See on John 5:47; John 2:22. Here again the absence of the article denotes the qualitative character of the phrase - books which are holy as conveying God's revelations. On agiov holy, see on Acts 26:10. This is the only passage in which it is applied to scriptures.