and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on why people stumble – their disobedience. But notice the verse also points to the nature of Jesus himself: He's designed to be a stumbling block, not an accident. This isn't about God causing them to fail, but about Jesus's very presence revealing and challenging the hearts of those who resist him.
and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is explaining how Jesus is both a foundation for believers and a stumbling block for those who reject him. He's quoting Old Testament passages to show that this rejection and its consequences were foretold. The verses immediately following will elaborate on the identity of those who reject Jesus as chosen people who have received mercy.
Ever wonder why some people just can't seem to accept God's Word, even when it's clear? Peter points to a specific kind of spiritual failure.
Peter quotes Old Testament passages (Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16) to describe how Jesus Himself becomes a source of downfall for many.
A Stone of Stumbling
This isn't a random trip. It's like hitting a boulder placed directly in your path. You can't avoid it if you're not watching where you're going.
A Rock of Offense
This goes beyond just tripping. It means being angered or repelled by something. People aren't just failing to believe; they're actively rejecting and being offended by the message of Christ.
Why do people stumble and take offense? Is it just bad luck, or is there a deeper reason? Peter leaves no room for doubt here.
The verse is crystal clear: the reason for stumbling and offense is 'disobedience to the word.'
Willful Neglect
It's not about intellectual inability to understand. It's about a refusal to listen, to heed, and to obey what God has revealed.
Predestined to Disobey?
The phrase 'as they were destined to do' can be tricky. It doesn't mean God forces people to disobey. Instead, it points to a settled condition of rebellion that God foreknew and permitted. Their persistent rejection leads them down a path where stumbling is the inevitable outcome.
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Understand the original words
proskomma · Greek Noun
An obstacle or impediment that causes one to trip and fall. Christ becomes a stumbling block to those who refuse to accept His humble, suffering nature as the path to salvation.
skandalou · Greek Noun
A source of annoyance or cause for falling. It refers to that which causes an unbeliever to reject or turn away from the gospel message.
apeithountes · Greek Verb
The refusal to submit to God’s revelation or authority. It characterizes the persistent state of unbelief in those who reject the gospel.
Peter is writing to believers who are experiencing hardship, reminding them that the opposition they face echoes the rejection Jesus Himself faced. This rejection wasn't arbitrary but a direct consequence of people's willful disobedience to God's message.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, performs miracles, and teaches with authority. His claims and actions lead to His crucifixion by Roman authorities under Jewish leadership pressure.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The followers of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the Gospel rapidly. They face increasing opposition and persecution from both Jewish religious authorities and Roman officials.
c. 62-64 AD— this verse
Peter's First Letter Written
The Apostle Peter writes this letter from Rome (likely) to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, who are facing trials and persecution for their faith.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome. Emperor Nero blames the Christians, intensifying persecution against them throughout the Roman Empire.
This is a direct quote in 1 Peter, showing Isaiah prophesied about Jesus being a stone that causes people to fall, both to ruin and to rescue, for those who don't believe.
Romans 9:33This passage also quotes Isaiah and Peter, reiterating that Jesus is a stumbling block and a rock of offense for those who reject Him, highlighting God's sovereign plan.
1 Corinthians 1:23Paul speaks of Christ crucified as a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, emphasizing the offensive nature of the cross to the world's wisdom.
Jude 1:4Jude warns about certain individuals who distort grace and deny Jesus Christ, showing a parallel to those who stumble over the word and disobey, just as described in 1 Peter.
It's easy to focus on why people stumble – their disobedience. But notice the verse also points to the nature of Jesus himself: He's designed to be a stumbling block, not an accident. This isn't about God causing them to fail, but about Jesus's very presence revealing and challenging the hearts of those who resist him.
Peter is explaining how Jesus is both a foundation for believers and a stumbling block for those who reject him. He's quoting Old Testament passages to show that this rejection and its consequences were foretold. The verses immediately following will elaborate on the identity of those who reject Jesus as chosen people who have received mercy.
Peter is explaining how Jesus is both a foundation for believers and a stumbling block for those who reject him. He's quoting Old Testament passages to show that this rejection and its consequences were foretold. The verses immediately following will elaborate on the identity of those who reject Jesus as chosen people who have received mercy.
"and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do." — It's easy to focus on *why* people stumble – their disobedience. But notice the verse also points to the *nature* of Jesus himself: He's *designed* to be a stumbling block, not an accident. This isn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026