Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of Christ as a "stone of stumbling" to the Jews is a significant theme in biblical prophecy and its fulfillment in the New Testament. This metaphorical language is rooted in the Old Testament and finds its realization in the New Testament narrative, illustrating the complex relationship between Jesus and the Jewish people of His time.
Old Testament Prophecies1.
Isaiah 8:14-15: The prophet Isaiah speaks of the Lord as a sanctuary but also as "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to both houses of Israel. This prophecy indicates that while God is a place of refuge, He will also be a cause of stumbling for those who do not believe. The text states, "And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel, a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured."
2.
Psalm 118:22: This psalm refers to the stone rejected by the builders, which becomes the cornerstone. "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This imagery is prophetic of the Messiah, who, though rejected by the Jewish leaders, becomes the foundation of God's redemptive plan.
New Testament Fulfillment1.
Romans 9:32-33: The Apostle Paul explicitly connects the prophecy in Isaiah to Jesus Christ, explaining that Israel's pursuit of righteousness through the law led them to stumble over the "stumbling stone." Paul writes, "Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written: 'See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'"
2.
1 Peter 2:7-8: The Apostle Peter also references the prophecy from Isaiah and the psalm, affirming that Jesus is the cornerstone for believers but a stone of stumbling for those who reject Him. "To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the message—and to this they were appointed."
3.
Matthew 21:42-44: Jesus Himself cites
Psalm 118:22 in a parable directed at the chief priests and Pharisees, indicating that their rejection of Him fulfills the prophecy. "Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes"? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.'"
Interpretation and SignificanceThe fulfillment of these prophecies highlights the paradox of Jesus' mission and the varied responses to His message. For those who believe, He is the cornerstone of faith and salvation. For those who reject Him, particularly the Jewish leaders of His time, He becomes a stumbling block, a source of division and judgment. This dual role underscores the profound impact of Christ's coming and the necessity of faith in Him as the Messiah. The prophetic imagery of the stone serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of belief and unbelief, as well as the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 9:32Why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Peter 2:8
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... are foolish, so our own language respecting him is ... Spirit is the true Jehovah who
dictated the prophecies. ... For ever since Christ was manifested in the flesh he ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm
The Sibylline Oracles.
... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome ... After some other prophecies
we come to the mention of ... He calls Christ (ver.345) "the fair stone," against ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm
A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. ... they have sinned
against him by not walking in his ways, and by not being obedient to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm
Resources
Were Jacob's prophecies about his sons fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWhen were Obadiah's prophecies against Edom fulfilled (Obadiah 1:18-20)? | GotQuestions.orgWhere do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgProphecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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