DiscipleDeck
Get started
Bible Commentary

Matthew 18:6-9

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:6-9

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Occasions of stumbling.

To stumble is so to trip as to be hindered in faith or to be turned out of the way (cf. , ; ; ; ; ; , ; , , ; ). Occasions of stumbling are evil influences—allurements, persuasions, temptations, bad example, calumnies, insults, persecutions. The text teaches—

I. THAT CHRIST HOLDS THE WICKED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INJURY THEY MAY OCCASION TO THE GOOD. The addition of the words, "which believe on me," shows that Christ is here speaking, not of "little ones" in age. but of his disciples, who are of a humble spirit. Observe:

1. There is no infallible final perseverance of the saints.

2. "It must needs be that the occasions come."

3. The instigator to evil is still responsible.

4. These things need to be emphasized.

II. THAT SUCH OFFENDERS ARE WARNED BY THE TERROR OF FORMIDABLE PUNISHMENT.

1. The sufferings of antichristian nations are admonitory. "Woe unto the world because of occasions of stumbling!"

2. Individuals also are admonished. "Woe to that man through whom the occasion cometh!"

3. But there is yet space for repentance.

Recommended reading

More for Matthew 18:6-9

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Matthew 18:1-6Matthew 18:1-6 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryChrist spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thou…The Importance of HumilityMatthew 18:1-6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY. As there never was a greater pattern of humility, so there never was a greater preacher of it, than Christ; he took all occasions to command it, to commend it, to his disciples and followers.…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:1-14Matthew 18:1-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryNecessity of becoming like little children. To discuss in the abstract the question who shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, is a profitable employment. But when discussed with personal reference, and in view of…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:1-35Matthew 18:1-35 · The Pulpit CommentaryDiscourse concerning the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and the mutual duties of Christians. (Mark 9:33-50; Luke 9:46-50.)The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:1-14Matthew 18:1-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe little ones. I. THEIR EXAMPLE. 1. The question of the apostles. They had not yet learned the great lesson of humility. Perhaps the favour shown to Peter, James, and John had excited jealousies among them. On their w…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:5-14Matthew 18:5-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe treatment due to such.
commentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 18:1-6Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thou…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Importance of HumilityTHE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY. As there never was a greater pattern of humility, so there never was a greater preacher of it, than Christ; he took all occasions to command it, to commend it, to his disciples and followers.…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:1-14The little ones. I. THEIR EXAMPLE. 1. The question of the apostles. They had not yet learned the great lesson of humility. Perhaps the favour shown to Peter, James, and John had excited jealousies among them. On their w…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:1-14Necessity of becoming like little children. To discuss in the abstract the question who shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, is a profitable employment. But when discussed with personal reference, and in view of…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:1-35Discourse concerning the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and the mutual duties of Christians. (Mark 9:33-50; Luke 9:46-50.)Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:5-14The treatment due to such.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 18:6There is an opposite side to this picture. Shall offend; cause to stumble—give occasion for a fall, i.e. either in faith or morals. This is done by evil example, by teaching to sin, by sneers at piety, by giving soft na…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 18:7-14Considering the cunning and malice of Satan, and the weakness and depravity of men's hearts, it is not possible but that there should be offences. God permits them for wise and holy ends, that those who are sincere, and…Matthew Henry