[Greek] σκάνδαλον (skandalon), [Latin] scandalus, [Latin] offensio: stumbling stone, obstacle, cause for stumbling, occasion to fall, something that arouses anger, sin, offense, trap, impediment; Mt.13:41, Mt.16:23, Mt.18:7, Lk.17:1, Rom.9:33, Rom.11:9, Rom.16:17, Rom.14:13, 1Cor.1:23, Gal. 5:11, 1Pet.2:8, 1Jn.2:10, Rev.2:14
Background Information:
Original meaning: snare, trap, movable stick with bait to catch animals, trap stick, movable trap
Greek Hellenism: This term takes on several meanings such as offense, scandal, vulnerability, obstacle, trap, and moral faults. This term finds itself being used in all walks of life and circumstances. Aristophanes’ Acharnicans 687 states, “The accuser, desirous of conciliating the younger man, overwhelms with his rhetoric, he drags us before the judge, presses us with questions, lays (verbal) traps for us.” Sophocles’ Oedipus the King 1189-1196 expresses the sentiment, “Imitation is scandalous. If someone (above us) has or wants something, we want the same thing. That person becomes an obstacle in the way of my getting it.” Epictetus states, “If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in this provocation.” Whatever that person does is on him. Whatever your reaction is to that remark (or action), that’s on you.
Old Testament: This term, extensively found in the Old Testament, can be found in literal, figurative, moral, metaphorical, and spiritual contexts. Such examples include stumbling blocks, blindness, deafness, slander, idolatry, stupidity, snares, folly, and obstacles. All of these obstacles provide occasions for sin and divine punishment. The themes of misfortune, ruin, sin, and separation of God predominate with this term. Scriptural references to traps, snares, and sticks provide inspirational wisdom for difficult situations. The table of demons makes reference to Israel’s sacrificing to idols. We escaped with our lives like a bird from the fowler’s snare (Psa.124:7). Guard me from the trap they have set for me (Psa.141:9) And my among them shall stumble and fall, broken, snared, and captured (Isa.8:15). Remove the stumbling blocks from My people’s path (Isa.57:14). Because they used to minister for them before their idols, and became an occasion of sin to the house of Israel (Ezek.44:12). He who studies the law masters it, but the hypocrite finds it a trap (Sir 32:15). You shall not curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall fear your God (Lev.19:14).
New Testament: This term, essentially defined by the Old Testament (Jewish) perspective, can mean causing others to sin (or going astray), becoming an obstacle to Jesus, becoming a stumbling block, becoming a snare and worshiping idols. Scandal is an obstacle in coming to faith and a cause of going astray in it. This could be a person who creates dissension or obstacles to the teaching of the faith. ‘Woe’ is often stated in warnings of impending doom for those who causes others to sin or go astray. These can include teachers and false teachers who lead others astray. They will receive their judgment from God. Peter, in his weakness, becomes an obstacle to Jesus’ plans to die on the Cross. Christ crucified becomes a stumbling block for the Jews and foolish for the Gentiles. Idol worship becomes a great obstacle against faithfulness in God.
Woe: This is a word to express grief, regret, or distress about some impending doom or condemnation from God. This word speaks to an affliction of some sort which an escape out of it seems impossible. Woe speaks to the seriousness of the matter, pertaining to salvation or damnation. Mt .18:6-7 states it would be better to drown with a millstone around one’s neck. At first glance, this may sound like an exaggeration. However, the punishment fits the offense. The thing that is more terrible than drowning this way is damnation at the judgment.
Scripture:
“The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.” Mt.13:41
This refers to the eschatological destruction and consequence of scandal. Those who seek to destroy faith, who cause apostasy, and who cause others to sin, will be judged accordingly by God. We all will be held accountable for our actions.
“He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me Satan! You are an obstacle to Me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Mt.16:23
Peter thinks and will in human fashion sets himself in opposition to God and His will. Peter becomes an instrument of Satan. The way of the cross was a scandal for Peter.
“But we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness of Gentiles.” 1Cor.1:23
The Jews were not able to theologically accept that Jesus is the Messiah. The Gentiles could not fathom that a barbaric form of execution could lead to redemption for man.
Conclusion:
Scandal, scandalize, scandalous.
Where to start? Perhaps there is never better a word which illustrates the circumstances in the Church today.
It was interesting to discover how this term later developed from a simple bait trap. Even in ancient times, many nuanced meanings of this term later developed. Such examples include envying a person so much that this person becomes an obstacle. Also, I never would have considered that this would include getting upset (holding a grudge) against someone. Essentially, that person is “living rent-free in your mind.” It is interesting to note that this idea came from a Stoic philosopher in ancient times.
It is significant to note that the Old Testament understanding of this term provides the basis for its use in the New Testament. Again, many nuanced uses of this term occur. The Old Testament adds another dimension for this term in terms of God’s relationship with man. Jesus as the Messiah is a huge theological stumbling block for the Jews. Jesus crucified was foolishness to the Gentiles. The Greeks couldn’t fathom how such a gruesome crucifixion could lead to man’s redemption.
It is also interesting that Jesus called Peter as Satan when he opposed the idea that Jesus was going to the Cross. Peter was acting in a human way but also was going astray as a church leader. At first glance, this may seem to be an exaggeration. It is important to note that Satan’s primary purpose is to oppose and undermine the Church. I always wonder about the significance of putting a mill stone around one’s and drown (and cutting off one’s arm or plucking out one’s eye). I think these ideas help to convey the seriousness of the sin. The only thing more terrible than drowning with mill-stone (around one’s neck) is damnation.
Scandals: Where to begin? There are so many to choose from:
Nike and other US companies have become lap dogs for China. (Never mind about showing any moral courage against repression of human rights).
Youtube helping to cover up China’s atrocities.
Church sex abuse scandals: (Woe to all those priests who abused or covered up these abuses).
1619 Project: America was and is a racist country. (Never mind the fact that is false and revisionist US history).
An Olympic athlete, seeking to represent the United States, shows contempt and disdain for the American anthem.
Critical Race Theory: You are not capable of achieving because you are oppressed and because others are inherently racist.
Defund the Police: During rising crime, we must defund and further limit the police because they are the problem.
Demonize and incriminate President Trump because it supports your narrative. (Facts do not matter as long as it hurts Trump).
Continuing to say that the 2020 election was the most secure election ever. (Yet more and more states enact election voter fraud legislation, lawsuits, investigations, and forensic audits).
Mainstream media and social media continue to censor, block, and cancel those who purport to show a different message.
Now it is currently acceptable that Covid-19 came from Wuhan China. (When Trump said it, he was called racist).
During the crisis at the southern border, House Democrats are proposing to defund border enforcement.
Next post: being scandalized and offended