1 Peter 2:7
Verse
Context
The Living Stone and Chosen People
6For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” 7To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Unto you therefore which believe - You, both Jews and Gentiles. He is precious - Ὑμιν ουν ἡ τιμη τοις πιστευουσιν· The honor is to you who believe; i.e. the honor of being in this building, and of having your souls saved through the blood of the Lamb, and becoming sons and daughters of God Almighty. Them which be disobedient - The Jews, who continue to reject the Gospel; that very person whom they reject is head of the corner - is Lord over all, and has all power in the heavens and the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Application of the Scripture just quoted first to the believer, then to the unbeliever. On the opposite effects of the same Gospel on different classes, compare Joh 9:39; Co2 2:15-16. precious--Greek, "THE preciousness" (Pe1 2:6). To you believers belongs the preciousness of Christ just mentioned. disobedient--to the faith, and so disobedient in practice. the stone which . . . head of . . . corner-- (Psa 118:22). Those who rejected the STONE were all the while in spite of themselves unconsciously contributing to its becoming Head of the corner. The same magnet has two poles, the one repulsive, the other attractive; so the Gospel has opposite effects on believers and unbelievers respectively.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence,.... The apostle alludes to Isa 8:14 and which is a prophecy of the Messiah; see Gill on Rom 9:33 and had its accomplishment in the unbelieving and disobedient Jews; who stumbled at his birth and parentage; at the manner of his birth, being born of a virgin; at the meanness of his parents, his supposed father being a carpenter, and his mother, Mary, a poor woman, when they expected the Messiah would have sprung from some rich and noble family; and at the place of his birth, which they imagined was Galilee, from his education and conversation there; they stumbled also at his education, and could not conceive how he should know letters, and from whence he should have his wisdom, having never been trained up in any of their schools and academies, or at the feet of any of their doctors and Rabbins; but, on the other hand, was brought up and employed in the trade of a carpenter; they stumbled at his outward meanness and poverty, when they expected the Messiah would be a rich, powerful, and glorious monarch; and so at the obscurity of his kingdom, which was not of this world, and came not with observation, when they dreamt of an earthly and temporal one, which should be set up in great splendour and glory; and they stumbled likewise at the company he kept, and the audience that attended him, being the poorer sort of the people, and the more illiterate, and also such who had been very profane and wicked, as publicans and harlots; moreover, they stumbled at his ministry, at the doctrine he preached, particularly at the doctrine of his divinity, and of spiritual communion with him, by eating his flesh, and drinking his blood, and at the doctrines of distinguishing grace; and so at his miracles, by which he confirmed his mission and ministry, some of these being wrought on the sabbath day, and others they imputed to diabolical influence and assistance, in a word, they stumbled at his death, having imbibed a notion that Christ abideth for ever, and especially at the manner of it, the death of the cross; wherefore the preaching of Christ crucified always was, and still is, a stumbling block unto them: even to them which stumble at the word; either the essential Word, Christ Jesus, as before; or rather at the doctrine of the Gospel, at that part of it which respects a trinity of persons in the Godhead; because their carnal reason could not comprehend it, and they refused to submit to revelation, and to receive the witness of God, which is greater than that of men; and at that part of it which regards the deity of Christ, and that for this reason, because he was a man, and in order to enervate the efficacy of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, and fearing too much honour should be given to him; and also at that part of the word which concerns the distinguishing grace of God, as eternal personal election, particular redemption, and efficacious grace in conversion; against which the carnal mind of man is continually cavilling and replying, and, in so doing, against God himself, charging him with cruelty, injustice, and insincerity; and particularly at that part of the word which holds forth the doctrine of free justification, by the righteousness of Christ; this was the grand stumbling block of the Jews, who sought for righteousness, not by faith, but, as it were, by the works of the law, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and of the spirituality of the law, and of themselves, and their own righteousness, of which they had an overweening opinion: being disobedient; to the Gospel revelation, and unwilling to submit their carnal reason to it; this is the source and cause of their stumbling at Christ and his Gospel: it is worth while to compare this with the paraphrase of Isa 8:14 which passage is here referred to; and the paraphrase of it runs thus, ""if ye obey not", his word shall be among you for revenge, and for a stone smiting, and for a rock of offence to both houses of the princes of Israel, and for destruction and offence to those who are divided upon the house of Judah, &c. whereunto also they were appointed; both to stumble at the word of the Gospel, and at Christ, the sum and substance of it, he being set in the counsel and purpose of God, as for the rising of some, so for the stumbling and falling of others; and also to that disobedience and infidelity which was the cause of their stumbling; for as there are some whom God appointed and foreordained to believe in Christ, on whom he has determined to bestow true faith in him, and who have it as a pure gift, in consequence of such appointment; so there are others, whom he has determined to leave in that disobedience and infidelity into which the fall brought and concluded them, through which they stumble at Christ, and his word, and, in consequence thereof, justly perish; but this is not the case of all; there are some who are the objects of distinguishing grace and favour, and who are described in the following verse.
1 Peter 2:7
The Living Stone and Chosen People
6For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” 7To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Holy Nation
By T. Austin-Sparks9.4K33:17ChurchEXO 3:5EXO 14:29MAT 21:42MAT 21:441PE 2:71PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's house in order to establish a people of a different kind. The speaker highlights how God demonstrated the evil nature of the world through the plagues in Egypt and how He met Moses at the burning bush to deliver His people from the power of darkness. The sermon also mentions the Israelites' struggle with their hearts still being attached to Egypt even after being physically separated, and how crossing the Jordan River symbolized their hearts finally being out of Egypt. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to be separated unto God and live a holy life that leaves a mark for God.
Christ Precious to Believers
By C.H. Spurgeon4.6K44:04Faith and SufferingThe Preciousness of ChristROM 8:37PHP 3:81PE 2:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled preciousness of Christ to believers, reflecting on his own journey of faith and the transformative power of Jesus in the lives of those who trust in Him. He articulates that Christ is not only intrinsically precious but also becomes increasingly valuable through the believer's experiences of need, suffering, and ultimate hope in Him. Spurgeon challenges listeners to evaluate their faith by considering how precious Christ is to them, asserting that true believers will find Him to be their greatest treasure, even amidst trials and tribulations. He concludes with a heartfelt invitation for all to recognize and embrace the love of Christ, which surpasses all earthly treasures.
Pt 7 the Pearl of Great Price
By Alan Redpath3.9K37:46Pearl Of Great PricePRO 8:11PRO 31:101PE 2:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hurt by someone's negative comment about the church attendance. He contrasts the reactions of two individuals, one who criticizes and one who encourages. The speaker emphasizes that the only good thing about anyone is Jesus and that through the wounds of Jesus, his grace and beauty are made available to us. The sermon also highlights the purpose of the Church as a precious jewel that is gathered and presented to God, symbolizing the triumph of purity over impurity. The merchant seeking pearls represents Jesus, who seeks and purchases the Church at any cost to present it to the King.
Spurgeon a New Biography #1
By C.H. Spurgeon2.4K1:30:20PSA 51:12JER 20:9MAT 28:19LUK 14:23ACT 1:8ROM 10:151PE 2:7The video is a sermon transcript about the calling and passion of a preacher. It emphasizes that when someone is truly called by the Holy Ghost to preach, they cannot help but do so. The preacher's determination and indomitable spirit cannot be stopped by criticism or opposition. The sermon also highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from preaching and the desire to continue doing so. The transcript includes a personal anecdote about a preacher who may not have been eloquent, but still conveyed a powerful message of salvation through a simple text.
C. H. Spurgeon
By Ian Murray1.8K58:49MIC 6:9MAT 6:331PE 2:7In this sermon, the preacher, Spurgeon, addresses the sins of society, particularly the oppression of the poor and the toleration of immorality. He emphasizes that this world is not the place of punishment for sin, but rather a place where sin is prevalent. Spurgeon calls on the church to recognize its own sins and take responsibility for its failure to fulfill its duty. He urges the congregation to humble themselves before God and seek forgiveness for their transgressions.
(Clip) the Person of Jesus Christ: The Focus of the End-Time Church
By Brian Long1.4K03:11PHP 3:8PHP 3:10HEB 12:11PE 2:7This sermon emphasizes the pursuit of Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of our faith. It challenges believers to make Christ their chief delight, highest ambition, and most passionate pursuit above all else. The message highlights the importance of being willing to suffer the loss of everything for the sake of knowing and following Christ, leading to a deep hatred for sin and a fervent pursuit of Christ.
Is Jesus Precious to You
By Roy Daniel7361:07:25MAT 19:22LUK 12:362TI 2:151PE 2:71JN 3:14REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly loving Jesus and not just going through the motions of Christianity. It highlights the need to have a genuine relationship with God, to trust Him, to love other Christians, and to eagerly await His return. The message challenges listeners to examine their hearts, prioritize Jesus above all else, and be prepared for His coming.
Matthew 13:44-46. the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and of the Pearls.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 13:44JHN 8:36PHP 3:81PE 2:7Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the priceless treasure of heavenly blessings that believers have found in Christ, contrasting the world's perception of religion as gloomy and restrictive with the believer's joy and fulfillment in Christ. The urgency to secure eternal life is emphasized, warning of the regret that will follow neglecting the opportunity. Through the example of Augustine's conversion, the sermon highlights the struggle to let go of sinful pleasures and the ultimate joy and freedom found in Christ, the Pearl of great price, who brings comfort and salvation in life and in death.
Are You Safe for Eternity?
By James Smith0MAT 7:21ROM 8:91CO 10:312CO 13:51TH 4:71PE 2:7James Smith preaches about the importance of examining ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith, emphasizing the need to test our faith to ensure it is genuine. He highlights the dangers of spurious religion and the solemn circumstances it places believers in, urging them to look at various tests to determine the authenticity of their faith.
I Am the Rose of Sharon
By C.H. Spurgeon0Beauty of ChristSpiritual FulfillmentPSA 27:4SNG 2:1ISA 53:2MAT 13:44JHN 15:5EPH 3:19PHP 3:8COL 1:171PE 2:7REV 22:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled beauty of Jesus Christ, referring to Him as the 'rose of Sharon,' which signifies His supreme loveliness and spiritual richness compared to the finest things in the material world. He illustrates that while the rose is the sweetest flower, Christ surpasses it in beauty and charm, captivating all senses of the soul. Spurgeon highlights that even the memories of Christ's love are fragrant and satisfying, making Him the ultimate fulfillment for the highest spiritual desires. He concludes that no earthly beauty can adequately express the preciousness of Christ, urging believers to cherish Him in their hearts forever.
Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life
By James Smith0MRK 16:16JHN 3:18JHN 5:24JHN 11:25ROM 8:11CO 15:221TH 4:161PE 2:7James Smith preaches about the touching story of a soldier who found comfort in Jesus' promise of resurrection and life in his dying moments during the battle of Alma. He emphasizes that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, bringing spiritual life to believers and the hope of eternal life in a new heaven and earth. Smith highlights the believer's union with Christ in life and death, the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation, and the blessed assurance of living forever with Him. He warns unbelievers of the consequences of rejecting Jesus and the importance of having faith to avoid damnation.
Because You Ate the Loaves
By Thomas Brooks0True BeliefValue of ChristPSA 73:25MAT 6:33JHN 6:26JHN 15:13ROM 8:182CO 5:17EPH 2:8PHP 3:8COL 3:21PE 2:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Christ is precious only to those who truly believe, urging Christians to value Him above all earthly duties, privileges, and benefits. He draws a distinction between those who love Christ for His personal qualities and those who seek Him merely for the benefits He provides. Brooks highlights that true believers appreciate Christ for His inherent beauty and glory, rather than for the material or spiritual gains they might receive. He warns that many professing Christians follow Christ primarily for the 'loaves'—the blessings—rather than for a genuine love of His person. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper, more authentic relationship with Christ that transcends mere transactional faith.
A Miserable Estate
By Christopher Love0PSA 15:4ISA 43:4DAN 11:21JHN 8:34JHN 8:36EPH 5:8COL 2:131PE 2:72PE 2:19REV 3:17Christopher Love preaches about the eight particular properties of a man without Jesus Christ, highlighting how such a person is base, a bondman, beggarly, blind, deformed, disconsolate, dead, and damned. He emphasizes that without Christ, individuals are spiritually impoverished, enslaved to sin, blind to the truth, deformed by sin, lacking true comfort, spiritually dead, and destined for damnation. Love urges listeners to seek Jesus Christ as the only source of true life, freedom, and salvation.
The Government of Love
By T. Austin-Sparks0The LambGovernment of LoveJHN 3:16ROM 11:361CO 2:2EPH 1:6EPH 2:61PE 2:7REV 21:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of 'the Lamb' in the final vision of Revelation, illustrating that the essence of God's purpose culminates in the 'government of love.' He explains that the new Jerusalem symbolizes a community characterized by love and divine governance, with the Lamb as its foundation and source of life. The sermon explores themes of cleansing love, the transformative power of suffering, and the necessity of experiencing Christ's love to truly serve others. Ultimately, Sparks highlights that the Lamb's presence is central to understanding God's relationship with humanity and the eternal value of love in service.
Yea, He Is Altogether Lovely
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Beauty of ChristDevotion to JesusPSA 27:4SNG 5:16ISA 53:2MAT 17:2JHN 1:14PHP 3:8COL 1:17HEB 1:31PE 2:7REV 5:12C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled beauty and loveliness of Jesus, describing Him as the ultimate object of love rather than mere admiration. He invites believers to reflect on the sweetness of Christ's words and the perfection of His character, which captivates the hearts of His followers. Spurgeon asserts that every aspect of Jesus is attractive and worthy of adoration, contrasting Him with earthly beings that possess flaws. He encourages worshippers to love Jesus wholly, recognizing that He embodies perfection and is 'altogether lovely.' The sermon calls for a deep, affectionate devotion to Christ, who is the source of all beauty and goodness.
1 Peter 2:7
By John Gill0The Preciousness of ChristFaith and BeliefPSA 118:22ISA 28:16ROM 13:7EPH 2:20HEB 10:191PE 2:7John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:7, emphasizing that true believers are those who recognize their lost state and see Christ as their only Savior. He describes how Christ is precious to believers in His divine and human natures, His redemptive work, and His roles as Priest, Prophet, and King. Gill highlights that Christ's blood, righteousness, and sacrifice are invaluable to those who trust in Him, and that He is the source of their honor and glory. In contrast, those who disbelieve reject Christ, the cornerstone, and face the consequences of their disobedience. Ultimately, Gill illustrates the profound relationship between Christ and His followers, who find all their worth and value in Him.
The Preciousness of Christ
By Octavius Winslow0The Preciousness of ChristSpiritual GrowthISA 53:3JHN 14:6ROM 5:8EPH 2:8PHP 3:8HEB 4:151PE 2:7Octavius Winslow emphasizes the preciousness of Christ, asserting that a true understanding of His worth is a vital sign of spiritual life. He explains that as believers recognize their sinfulness, they also appreciate the value and sufficiency of Jesus as their Savior. Winslow highlights that Christ's personal dignity and humanity make Him uniquely precious, and that this preciousness is felt deeply by those who believe. He encourages believers to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ, which grows in depth and intimacy over time, especially during trials and adversities. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt acknowledgment of Christ's unparalleled worth in the life of every believer.
Profiting From the Word 3. the Scriptures and Christ
By A.W. Pink0The Role of ScriptureKnowing ChristISA 64:4MAT 9:12JHN 5:39JHN 14:21PHP 3:10JAS 4:71PE 2:72PE 3:181JN 3:2REV 19:12A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of recognizing our own depravity before we can truly appreciate the perfections of God and the role of Christ as our Savior. He explains that the Scriptures reveal our need for Christ, making Him more real and precious to us, and that true knowledge of Him is spiritual and experiential rather than merely intellectual. Pink encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through the Scriptures, which leads to increased faith, a desire to please Him, and a longing for His return. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to reflect on their relationship with Christ and the extent to which they are profiting from the Word.
The Preciousness of Christ
By Thomas Reade0PSA 36:7ISA 55:1JHN 1:12ROM 8:141CO 6:19EPH 2:81PE 1:181PE 2:7REV 2:4Thomas Reade preaches about the preciousness of Christ to believers, emphasizing the value of faith in receiving Christ into the heart and the importance of recognizing our need for a Savior. He highlights the necessity of coming to Jesus in self-despair, acknowledging our sinfulness, and receiving full forgiveness and reconciliation through faith in His blood. Reade urges believers to watch against spiritual lukewarmness, maintain a daily dependence on Jesus, and strive for a burning love for the Savior, lamenting any coldness in their hearts. He emphasizes the need to devote ourselves to God, recognizing His love and mercy in providing for our present and future happiness.
Christ Precious
By James Smith0DEU 31:6ISA 53:3PHP 3:8HEB 4:151PE 2:7James Smith preaches on the preciousness of Jesus to believers, emphasizing how the name of Jesus brings sweetness, glory, and delight to the spiritual mind. Jesus is cherished for His person, work, promises, and grace, with His holiness making sin appear detestable and His mercy shining brightly in His sacrifice. Believers find Jesus precious in His tenderness, sympathy, and unwavering presence, as He understands their struggles and comforts them in every affliction.
Glory Only in the Newness of Resurrection Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's GloryResurrection LifeISA 53:11JHN 2:11JHN 3:10JHN 4:14JHN 11:4JHN 11:402CO 1:8PHP 3:101PE 2:71PE 4:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the eleventh chapter of John encapsulates the culmination of Jesus' ministry, revealing that God's ultimate purpose is glory, achieved through the resurrection life. He discusses the necessity of brokenness and travail in reaching God's ends, illustrating that true knowledge of God comes through suffering and surrender. The sermon highlights that Jesus is in control of every situation, even when it appears otherwise, and that the old creation must die for the new life to emerge. Sparks encourages believers to commit fully to God, understanding that His ways may be beyond human comprehension but are always directed towards His glory. Ultimately, he reassures that through trials and tribulations, believers will witness the glory of God manifested in their lives.
Jesus Christ, the Only Foundation
By Samuel Davies0ISA 8:14ISA 28:16MAT 7:25LUK 2:341PE 2:41PE 2:7Samuel Davies preaches about Jesus Christ as the only foundation, emphasizing the importance of building our hopes and eternal happiness on Him alone. He explains how the stone laid in Zion is a tried, precious, and sure foundation, contrasting it with the refuge of lies that sinners trust in. Davies urges listeners to examine whether they are truly built upon this solid rock, highlighting the need to surrender all false hopes and dependencies to fully trust in Christ. He warns that rejecting this foundation will lead to inevitable ruin and encourages believers to find their rest and security in Jesus amidst life's storms and the impending judgment.
The Problem of Rationalism
By Denis Lyle0PSA 11:3MAT 6:33COL 2:32TI 3:162TI 4:21PE 2:7Denis Lyle preaches about the problem of rationalism, emphasizing the dangers of relying solely on human reason to solve all problems without divine revelation. He highlights how this poisonous viewpoint has infiltrated various aspects of modern life, including science, philosophy, ethics, education, and even religion, leading to a spiritual dearth and confusion. Lyle draws parallels between the famine in Gilgal and the spiritual drought caused by disobedience in the church today, stressing the importance of returning to God's Word and seeking Christ as the antidote to the poison of rationalism and modernism.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Unto you therefore which believe - You, both Jews and Gentiles. He is precious - Ὑμιν ουν ἡ τιμη τοις πιστευουσιν· The honor is to you who believe; i.e. the honor of being in this building, and of having your souls saved through the blood of the Lamb, and becoming sons and daughters of God Almighty. Them which be disobedient - The Jews, who continue to reject the Gospel; that very person whom they reject is head of the corner - is Lord over all, and has all power in the heavens and the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Application of the Scripture just quoted first to the believer, then to the unbeliever. On the opposite effects of the same Gospel on different classes, compare Joh 9:39; Co2 2:15-16. precious--Greek, "THE preciousness" (Pe1 2:6). To you believers belongs the preciousness of Christ just mentioned. disobedient--to the faith, and so disobedient in practice. the stone which . . . head of . . . corner-- (Psa 118:22). Those who rejected the STONE were all the while in spite of themselves unconsciously contributing to its becoming Head of the corner. The same magnet has two poles, the one repulsive, the other attractive; so the Gospel has opposite effects on believers and unbelievers respectively.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence,.... The apostle alludes to Isa 8:14 and which is a prophecy of the Messiah; see Gill on Rom 9:33 and had its accomplishment in the unbelieving and disobedient Jews; who stumbled at his birth and parentage; at the manner of his birth, being born of a virgin; at the meanness of his parents, his supposed father being a carpenter, and his mother, Mary, a poor woman, when they expected the Messiah would have sprung from some rich and noble family; and at the place of his birth, which they imagined was Galilee, from his education and conversation there; they stumbled also at his education, and could not conceive how he should know letters, and from whence he should have his wisdom, having never been trained up in any of their schools and academies, or at the feet of any of their doctors and Rabbins; but, on the other hand, was brought up and employed in the trade of a carpenter; they stumbled at his outward meanness and poverty, when they expected the Messiah would be a rich, powerful, and glorious monarch; and so at the obscurity of his kingdom, which was not of this world, and came not with observation, when they dreamt of an earthly and temporal one, which should be set up in great splendour and glory; and they stumbled likewise at the company he kept, and the audience that attended him, being the poorer sort of the people, and the more illiterate, and also such who had been very profane and wicked, as publicans and harlots; moreover, they stumbled at his ministry, at the doctrine he preached, particularly at the doctrine of his divinity, and of spiritual communion with him, by eating his flesh, and drinking his blood, and at the doctrines of distinguishing grace; and so at his miracles, by which he confirmed his mission and ministry, some of these being wrought on the sabbath day, and others they imputed to diabolical influence and assistance, in a word, they stumbled at his death, having imbibed a notion that Christ abideth for ever, and especially at the manner of it, the death of the cross; wherefore the preaching of Christ crucified always was, and still is, a stumbling block unto them: even to them which stumble at the word; either the essential Word, Christ Jesus, as before; or rather at the doctrine of the Gospel, at that part of it which respects a trinity of persons in the Godhead; because their carnal reason could not comprehend it, and they refused to submit to revelation, and to receive the witness of God, which is greater than that of men; and at that part of it which regards the deity of Christ, and that for this reason, because he was a man, and in order to enervate the efficacy of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, and fearing too much honour should be given to him; and also at that part of the word which concerns the distinguishing grace of God, as eternal personal election, particular redemption, and efficacious grace in conversion; against which the carnal mind of man is continually cavilling and replying, and, in so doing, against God himself, charging him with cruelty, injustice, and insincerity; and particularly at that part of the word which holds forth the doctrine of free justification, by the righteousness of Christ; this was the grand stumbling block of the Jews, who sought for righteousness, not by faith, but, as it were, by the works of the law, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and of the spirituality of the law, and of themselves, and their own righteousness, of which they had an overweening opinion: being disobedient; to the Gospel revelation, and unwilling to submit their carnal reason to it; this is the source and cause of their stumbling at Christ and his Gospel: it is worth while to compare this with the paraphrase of Isa 8:14 which passage is here referred to; and the paraphrase of it runs thus, ""if ye obey not", his word shall be among you for revenge, and for a stone smiting, and for a rock of offence to both houses of the princes of Israel, and for destruction and offence to those who are divided upon the house of Judah, &c. whereunto also they were appointed; both to stumble at the word of the Gospel, and at Christ, the sum and substance of it, he being set in the counsel and purpose of God, as for the rising of some, so for the stumbling and falling of others; and also to that disobedience and infidelity which was the cause of their stumbling; for as there are some whom God appointed and foreordained to believe in Christ, on whom he has determined to bestow true faith in him, and who have it as a pure gift, in consequence of such appointment; so there are others, whom he has determined to leave in that disobedience and infidelity into which the fall brought and concluded them, through which they stumble at Christ, and his word, and, in consequence thereof, justly perish; but this is not the case of all; there are some who are the objects of distinguishing grace and favour, and who are described in the following verse.