Whether we like it or not, we are not merely having private discussion and exchange of views. Many people read forums, and some are seeking answers to life's most difficult problems. When we present interpretations and beliefs, especially with an authoritative tone, we are teaching. I approach this with a fear and awe because I know I will answer to the Lord on the last day. HE may ask me, "Did you not consider well my words?"
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:19 KJV))
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matt 18:4-6 KJV)
The Greek for "offend" is skandalizo and when you check an etymology, you'll see that is behind our English "scandalize". The Douay translation of the Latin Vulgate actually translates by "scandalize". This is metaphorical language, so we must be cautious about being too literal. The Expositor's Greek New Testament on this reads:
"Mat 18:6. σκανδαλίσῃ: the opposite of receiving; treating harshly and contemptuously, so as to tempt to unbelief and apostasy. The pride and selfish ambition of those who pass for eminent Christians make many infidels.—ἕνα τ. μ. τ.: one of the large class of little ones; not merely child believers surely, but all of whom a child is the emblem, as regards social or ecclesiastical importance. Those who are caused to stumble are always little ones"
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:19 KJV))
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matt 18:4-6 KJV)
The Greek for "offend" is skandalizo and when you check an etymology, you'll see that is behind our English "scandalize". The Douay translation of the Latin Vulgate actually translates by "scandalize". This is metaphorical language, so we must be cautious about being too literal. The Expositor's Greek New Testament on this reads:
"Mat 18:6. σκανδαλίσῃ: the opposite of receiving; treating harshly and contemptuously, so as to tempt to unbelief and apostasy. The pride and selfish ambition of those who pass for eminent Christians make many infidels.—ἕνα τ. μ. τ.: one of the large class of little ones; not merely child believers surely, but all of whom a child is the emblem, as regards social or ecclesiastical importance. Those who are caused to stumble are always little ones"
