and, "A STONEOF STUMBLINGAND A ROCKOF OFFENSE";for they stumblebecause they are disobedientto the word,and to this[doom] they were alsoappointed.
"Then He shall becomea sanctuary;But to boththe housesof Israel,a stoneto strikeand a rockto stumbleover, [And] a snareand a trapfor the inhabitantsof Jerusalem.
but we preachChristcrucified,to Jewsa stumbling blockand to Gentilesfoolishness,
Thisprecious value,then,is for you who believe;but for thosewho disbelieve,"THE STONEWHICHTHE BUILDERSREJECTED,THISBECAMETHE VERYCORNER[stone],"
WhatifGod,although willingto demonstrateHis wrathand to makeHis powerknown,enduredwith muchpatiencevesselsof wrathpreparedfor destruction?
For certainpersonshave crept in unnoticed,thosewho were longbeforehand markedout for thiscondemnation,ungodly personswho turnthe graceof our Godinto licentiousnessand denyour onlyMasterand Lord,JesusChrist.
and in [their] greedthey will exploityou with false words;their judgmentfrom long agois not idle,and their destructionis not asleep.
For Godhas not destinedus for wrath,but for obtainingsalvationthroughour LordJesusChrist,
And Simeonblessedthem and saidto MaryHis mother,"Behold,this[Child] is appointedfor the falland riseof manyin Israel,and for a signto be opposed--
to the onean aromafrom deathto death,to the otheran aromafrom lifeto life.And whois adequatefor these things?
"But, indeed,for thisreasonI have allowed you to remain,in orderto showyou My powerand in orderto proclaimMy namethrough allthe earth.
And it will be said,"Buildup, buildup, preparethe way,Remove[every] obstacleout of the wayof My people."
"Have you not heard?LongagoI didit, From ancienttimesI plannedit. NowI have broughtit to pass,That you should turnfortifiedcitiesinto ruinousheaps.
But I, brethren,ifI stillpreachcircumcision,whyam I stillpersecuted?Thenthe stumbling blockof the crosshas been abolished.
For [this] is containedin Scripture:"BEHOLD,I LAYIN ZIONA CHOICESTONE,A PRECIOUSCORNER[stone], AND HE WHO BELIEVESIN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."
"For He performswhatis appointedfor me, And manysuch[decrees] are with Him.