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but whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.
Verse Takeaways
1
More Than Just Children
Commentators unanimously agree that the 'little ones' Jesus refers to are not literal children, but his disciples who have a humble, childlike faith. To 'cause them to stumble' means to lead them into sin or hinder their spiritual walk. The verse is a solemn warning against harming the faith of any believer, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
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Matthew
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10
18th Century
Presbyterian
Whoso shall offend. That is, to cause to fall, or to sin; or who places anything in their way to hinder their piety or happiness. ().
These little ones (των μικρων τουτων). In the same sense as "one such little one" above. The child is the type of believers.
19th Century
Anglican
Whoever causes one to stumble—These words seem to reflect the thoughts that arise unbidden in the minds of people to the degree th…
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Baptist
To bless a little one is to entertain the Savior Himself. To set oneself to pervert the simple or to molest the humble will be the sure way to a dr…
This promise-warning couplet advances the thought by turning attention from the self-humiliation of the true disciple (vv.3–4) to the way others re…
16th Century
Protestant
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…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
But whoever offends one of these little ones Not in age, but are little and mean in their own eyes, and contemptible…
Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples focus on that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear a…
13th Century
Catholic
Above, the Lord showed the glory to come in His transfiguration; here He deals with the route for attaining that glory.
This is divided into…
