To “stumble” is to almost fall while walking or running. Usually it happens when tripping over something (Leviticus 19:14). The words “stumbling block” or “stone of stumbling” are used to talk about the physical object that causes a person to trip and fall.
The words “stumble” and “stumbling block” can be used as metaphors. The word “stumble” can be used to talk about a person sinning or starting to lose faith (Matthew 5:29-30; 18:6). The words “stumbling block” can be used to talk about anyone or anything that may cause a person to do what is wrong. The words “stumbling block” can also be used to talk about something that may cause a person to not believe in Jesus or to stop growing spiritually (Matthew 13:41; 16:23; Revelation 2:14).
Jesus is called a stumbling block. His death on the cross was offensive to some people. Therefore they refused to believe in him (Romans 9:32-33; 1 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 5:11; see also Matthew 21:43-44).
Paul warned Christians about causing other Christians to stumble. That is, Christians should not do anything that may cause other Christians to do something wrong (Romans 14:13, 21; 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13).
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