Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Peter 2:8

"and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." — 1 Peter 2:8 (ASV)

The second warning is from Isa 8:14, where the disobedient are portrayed as stumbling over the stone. So Peter warns that those who refuse to believe in Jesus as Messiah stumble—“which is also what they were destined for.” What is it that is “destined” (GK 5502)? The unbelief of these people or the stumbling that is the result of the unbelief? More likely the latter. Peter probably means to say that the appointment of God embraces both the setting forth of Christ and his work and the rejection by others. Peter’s preaching in Ac 2:14–40 made the same emphasis (cf. esp. v.23). Scripture in other places teaches that human disobedience is within the plan of God (cf. Romans 11:8, 11, 30–32). Yet it must be recognized that though this is true, one does not become less blameworthy (cf. Acts 2:23). It is important to recognize also that human disobedience is not necessarily final or irretrievable. Paul says, “God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all” (Romans 11:32).