SCANDAL…THE VERY FIRST WORD ABOUT THIS

June 11, 2023 /

SCANDAL..THE VERY FIRST CHURCH WORD ABOUT THIS
(C)2023 Dr. Taveau D’Arcy All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws

LONG BEFORE THERE WAS TMZ, THE NATIONAL INQUIRER, THE GOSSIP COLUMNS..THERE WAS “FIRST CHURCH OF CORINTH, LICENTIOUS SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR…

HENCE… ‘THE SCANDALON”

APOSTLE PAUL IN I CORINTHIANS 8:9 KJV

“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block [scandalon] to them that are weak.”

THE FIRST CHURCH “FULL SCOOP”

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is addressing the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. Some believers in Corinth understood that idols had no real significance, and they felt free to eat such food without any spiritual consequences. However, there were other believers, often referred to as “the weak,” who were still struggling with their understanding of this matter due to their background and former association with idol worship.

Paul cautions the believers with stronger convictions to be mindful of their liberty and not to let it become a stumbling block or scandalon to those who are weak in their faith. In other words, he advises them not to exercise their freedom in a way that might cause confusion or tempt the weaker believers to go against their own conscience and participate in practices they consider sinful.

The emphasis here is on prioritizing the spiritual well-being of fellow believers over personal rights and freedoms. Paul encourages the Corinthians to act in love, sensitivity, and consideration, avoiding any actions that might lead others into spiritual struggle or compromise. It is a reminder that believers should be mindful of the impact their choices and actions can have on others, particularly those who may be more vulnerable or less established in their faith.

THE ZEALOUS INQUIRING CHRISTIAN MINDS OF THE DAY

THE WORD SCANDALON:

The term “scandalon” originates from the Greek word “skandalon,” which is found in the New Testament. It is often translated as “stumbling block” or “offense.” In biblical and theological contexts, the term carries a specific meaning related to causing someone to stumble or fall into sin or disbelief.

In the New Testament, “scandalon” is used metaphorically to describe something that causes a person to sin or to be led astray from the truth. It can refer to a person, an action, or a belief that becomes a stumbling block for others, hindering their faith or causing them to stumble morally or spiritually.

In Christian theology, the concept of a scandalon is closely associated with the idea of temptation and the potential for leading others into sin. It emphasizes the responsibility of believers to avoid being a stumbling block for others and to be cautious of anything that may hinder someone’s faith or cause them to stray from God’s path.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addressed the concept of the scandalon and cautioned believers about behaviors or beliefs that could lead others astray. He urged believers to prioritize love, consideration, and selflessness to avoid causing others to stumble.

In contemporary usage, the term “scandalon” is sometimes used to describe a situation or event that causes public outrage or moral indignation due to the perceived violation of ethical or social norms. It can refer to instances of misconduct, corruption, or impropriety that cause scandal or damage to one’s reputation.

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