In the context of the Bible, "offences" refer to actions or behaviors that cause someone to stumble in their faith or lead them into sin. The concept of offences is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the importance of living a life that does not lead others astray.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding offences through the Law and the Prophets. The Hebrew word often translated as "offence" is "mikshol," which means a stumbling block or an obstacle. In Leviticus 19:14, the Israelites are commanded, "You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD." This command underscores the principle of not causing harm or leading others into difficulty, whether physically or spiritually.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament expands on the concept of offences, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. Jesus warns against causing others to stumble in their faith. In Matthew 18:6 , He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This severe warning emphasizes the gravity of leading others into sin.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of offences in his epistles. In Romans 14:13 , he advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Paul encourages believers to be mindful of their actions and how they might affect the faith of others, particularly in matters of personal conviction and liberty.

Spiritual and Moral Implications

Offences are not merely about personal sin but have broader implications for the community of believers. They can disrupt the unity and spiritual health of the church. In 1 Corinthians 8:9 , Paul warns, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Here, the focus is on exercising Christian freedom responsibly, ensuring that one's actions do not lead others into sin or confusion.

Responsibility of Believers

Believers are called to live in a way that edifies others and promotes spiritual growth. In Ephesians 4:29 , Paul instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive highlights the importance of speech and conduct that encourage rather than hinder spiritual progress.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of what constitutes an offence, it offers principles that guide believers in avoiding actions that could lead others into sin. The call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) serves as a foundational ethic in preventing offences, urging believers to consider the impact of their actions on the faith and well-being of others.

Of Offences, and the Mercy of God.
... Chap. XX."Of Offences, and the Mercy of God. If He is able to pardon, He
is therefore able also to be angry. Why, then, some one ...
/.../chap xx of offences and the.htm

The World and Offences. Various Meanings of World.
... Book XIII. 20. The World and Offences. Various Meanings of World. "Woe unto
the world because of occasions of stumbling." [5946] The ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/20 the world and offences.htm

Amidst These Offences of Foulness and violence, and So Many ...
... Book III Chapter IX Amidst these offences of foulness and violence, and
so many iniquities? Amidst these offences of foulness ...
/.../the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ix amidst these offences.htm

Examples of Such Offences under the Old Dispensation no Pattern ...
... Chapter VI."Examples of Such Offences Under the Old Dispensation No Pattern
for the Disciples of the New. But Even the Old Has ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter vi examples of such offences.htm

Offences must Come.
... Homily XII. Chapter XXX."Offences Must Come. "But the Master knowing that
those who wrongfully do these things are guilty by means ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxx offences must come.htm

He Argues against the Same as to the Reason of Offences.
... Book III. Chapter VIII."He Argues Against the Same as to the Reason of Offences. ...
But what foul offences can there be against Thee who canst not be defiled? ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter viii he argues against the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ...
... Sermon XXXI. On the words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, where we are admonished
to beware of the offences of the world. [LXXXI. Ben.] ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxi on the words.htm

Blessed be He who was Baptized that He Might Baptize You, that Ye ...
... Hymn VI. Blessed be He Who was baptized that He might baptize you, that
ye should be absolved from your offences. (Resp."Blessed ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vi blessed be he.htm

That the Believer Ought not to be Punished for Other Offences ...
... Third Book. 37. That the believer ought not to be punished for other offences,
except for the name he bears. In the Epistle of Peter ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/37 that the believer ought.htm

The one Sin Common to all Men.
... And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift; for the judgment was by one
to condemnation, but the grace is of many offences unto justification." [259 ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 15 xii the one sin.htm

Offences (21 Occurrences)
...Offences (21 Occurrences). Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive others their offences,
your Heavenly Father will forgive you also; (WEY DBY). ...
/o/offences.htm - 12k

Yours (226 Occurrences)
... Amen.' (WEB NAS). Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their offences, your
heavenly Father also will forgive you yours, (DBY). Matthew ...
/y/yours.htm - 35k

Needs (85 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be
that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! ...
/n/needs.htm - 30k

Yet (1244 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Matthew 18:7 Woe to the world because of offences! For it must
needs be that offences come; yet woe to that man by whom the offence comes! ...
/y/yet.htm - 35k

Committed (201 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:25 who was surrendered to death because of the offences we had committed,
and was raised to life because of the acquittal secured for us. (WEY). ...
/c/committed.htm - 39k

Offence (27 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be
that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! ...
/o/offence.htm - 25k

Yielding (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV). Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise
up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. ...
/y/yielding.htm - 12k

Quietness (15 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave
not thy place; for quietness pacifieth great offences. (DBY). ...
/q/quietness.htm - 10k

Negotiator (3 Occurrences)
... 9:15 And because of this He is the negotiator of a new Covenant, in order that,
since a life has been given in atonement for the offences committed under the ...
/n/negotiator.htm - 7k

Offenceless (2 Occurrences)

/o/offenceless.htm - 6k

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