John Calvin Commentary Matthew 18:6

"But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and [that] he should be sunk in the depth of the sea." — Matthew 18:6 (ASV)

But whoever shall offend one of those little ones. This appears to be added for the consolation of the godly, so that they may not be made uneasy by their condition if they are despised by the world. It is a powerful obstruction to the voluntary exercise of modesty when they imagine that by doing so they expose themselves to contempt; and it is hard not only to be treated disdainfully but almost trodden underfoot by haughty men. Christ therefore encourages his disciples with the comforting truth that if their humble condition draws upon them the insults of the world, God does not despise them.

But He also appears to have had another object in view, for a dispute had arisen among them about the first place of honor, from which it might naturally be inferred that the Apostles were tainted with sinful ambition. Everyone who thinks too highly of himself, or desires to be preferred over others, must necessarily treat his brothers with disdain. To cure this disease, Christ threatens a dreadful punishment if anyone in his pride throws down those who are oppressed by poverty or who in heart are already humbled.

Under the word offend, He includes more than if He had forbidden them to despise their brothers; though the man who gives himself no concern about offending the weak does so for no other reason than because he does not give them the honor to which they are entitled. Now, as there are various kinds of offenses, it will be proper to explain generally what is meant by offending. If anyone through our fault either stumbles, is drawn aside from the right course, or is retarded in it, we are said to offend him.⁵⁰⁴

Whoever then desires to escape that fearful punishment which Christ denounces, let him stretch out his hand to the little ones who are despised by the world and kindly assist them in keeping the path of duty. For Christ recommends them to our notice so that they may lead us to practice voluntary humility, as Paul enjoins the children of God to condescend to men of low estate, (Romans 12:16); and again says that we ought not to please ourselves, (Romans 15:1).

To hang a millstone about a man’s neck, and drown him in the sea was the punishment then considered the most appalling and was inflicted on the most atrocious criminals. When our Lord alludes to this punishment, we can perceive how dear and precious those persons are in the sight of God, who are lowly and despised in the eyes of the world.

⁵⁰⁴ “L’Escriture dit que nous oftensons ou scandalizons cestuy la.” — “Scripture says that we give .” — “Scripture says that we give offense or or scandal to that man.”to that man.”