AEtiologia; or, Cause Shown The rendering a Reason for what is said or done
Ae´-ti-o-log´-ia (Aetiology). Greek Αἰτιολογία, rendering a reason, from αἰτία (aitia), a cause, and λόγος (logos), a description .
The figure is used when, either directly or indirectly, the speaker or writer renders a reason for what he thinks, says, or does.
The figure was also called APODEIXIS (Ap-o-deix´-is). Greek, ἀπόδειξις, full demonstration, from ἀποδεικνύναι (apodeiknunai), to point out, demonstrate .
The Latins called it CAUSAE REDDITIO: rendering a reason, or showing the cause .
Romans 1:13. -“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”
Verses 15, 16: “I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation.”
So Romans 3:20, Romans 1:4-15, and all other passages where the word “For” points out the reason, or “Therefore” shows the cause.
These are too numerous to be quoted; but their significance should always be noted.