Mark 9:42

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

And whoever causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord. See Matt. 18:6] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and thrown into the ocean [Note: This was a heavy, circular stone rolled over grain to crush it, and moved by an animal walking in a circle].

Cross References

Matthew 18:6

But that person who causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and been dumped into a deep ocean [Note: This “millstone” was a heavy circular stone rolled over grain to crush it and was moved by an animal walking in a circle].

Matthew 18:10

Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

2 Corinthians 6:3

[We try] not to place an obstacle in anyone’s way [i.e., to keep them from accepting the Gospel message], so that our ministry would not be blamed.

Romans 16:17

Now I urge you, brothers, watch out for those who are causing divisions and occasions for falling [away from God over matters] contrary to the teaching you have learned, and withdraw from them [i.e., stop listening to their false teaching].

Romans 14:13

So, we should stop judging one another any more. But instead, you people should determine not to put anything in your brother’s way [to cause him] to trip or fall [away from God].

2 Peter 2:2

And many people will follow their unrestrained, indecent conduct, which will result in the true way [of God] being spoken against.

Acts 9:4

He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

1 Timothy 5:14

Therefore, I want the younger widows to get married, have children and manage their homes, so that they do not give the enemy [i.e., non-Christians] an opportunity for speaking against [the church].

Philippians 1:10

Then you will be able to approve of [only] what is best and be sincere and without just blame on the day of Christ’s [return],

Romans 15:21

But, as it is written [Isa. 52:15], “Those people who had not been told about Him will see [the truth], and those who have not heard [the message] will understand [it].” [Note: Paul here applies a Messianic prediction to his ambition of doing pioneer evangelism].

Matthew 17:27

But, so that we do not become a hindrance to these [tax collectors], go to the lake and cast in your hook [and line]. Then take the first fish [you catch], open its mouth and you will find a coin [i.e., worth twice the amount of an individual’s Temple tax assessment]. Take it and give it [to the tax collectors] for you and me.”