Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "scandal" is often associated with actions or behaviors that cause offense, lead others into sin, or bring disrepute to the name of God and His people. The concept of scandal is closely related to the idea of a "stumbling block," which is anything that causes another person to fall into sin or lose faith.Old Testament Context The Old Testament does not use the term "scandal" explicitly, but the concept is present in various narratives and laws. For example, the actions of the Israelites when they worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32) served as a scandalous event that led many into sin and provoked God's anger. The prophets frequently condemned the leaders of Israel for their corrupt practices, which caused the people to stray from God's commandments (e.g., Isaiah 1:4, Jeremiah 23:1-2). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "skandalon" is often translated as "stumbling block" or "offense." Jesus warns against causing scandal in several passages. In Matthew 18:6-7 , He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!" The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of scandal in his letters. In Romans 14:13 , he advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Paul emphasizes the importance of living in a way that does not cause others to fall into sin, particularly in matters of personal conviction and liberty. Moral and Ethical Implications Scandal in the biblical sense carries significant moral and ethical implications. It is not merely about causing offense but involves leading others away from righteousness and truth. The Bible calls believers to live lives that reflect the holiness of God and to be mindful of their influence on others. In 1 Corinthians 8:9 , Paul warns, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Church Discipline and Scandal The early church took the issue of scandal seriously, as seen in the practice of church discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a case of immorality within the church and instructs the believers to remove the offender from their midst to prevent further scandal and to maintain the purity of the church. This reflects the biblical principle that scandalous behavior must be addressed to protect the integrity of the Christian community. Jesus as a "Scandal" Interestingly, Jesus Himself is described as a "stumbling block" to some. In 1 Peter 2:7-8 , it is written, "To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.'" Jesus' message and His claim to be the Messiah were scandalous to many of His contemporaries, particularly the religious leaders, who rejected Him. Conclusion While the Bible warns against causing scandal, it also acknowledges that the truth of the Gospel can be a stumbling block to those who do not believe. Believers are called to navigate these realities with wisdom, ensuring that their conduct aligns with the teachings of Christ and does not lead others into sin. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Offense caused or experienced; reproach or reprobation called forth by what is regarded as wrong, criminal, heinous, or flagrant: opprobrium or disgrace.2. (n.) Reproachful aspersion; opprobrious censure; defamatory talk, uttered heedlessly or maliciously. 3. (n.) Anything alleged in pleading which is impertinent, and is reproachful to any person, or which derogates from the dignity of the court, or is contrary to good manners. 4. (v. t.) To treat opprobriously; to defame; to asperse; to traduce; to slander. 5. (v. t.) To scandalize; to offend. Greek 4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ... ... Scandal; probably from a derivative of kampto; a trap-stick (bent sapling), ie Snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin) -- occasion to fall (of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4625.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 7400. rakil -- slander... slander, carry tales, talebearer. From rakal a scandal-monger (as travelling about) -- slander, carry tales, talebearer. see HEBREW rakal. 7399, 7400. ... /hebrew/7400.htm - 6k Library Whether Scandal is a Sin? Whether Scandal is a Special Sin? Of Scandal (Eight Articles) Whether Scandal is a Mortal Sin? Whether Active Scandal Can be Found in the Perfect? Whether Passive Scandal May Happen Even to the Perfect? Whether Scandal is Fittingly Defined as Being Something Less ... Whether Temporal Goods Should be Foregone on Account of Scandal? Whether Spiritual Goods Should be Foregone on Account of Scandal? Whether a Man May Reveal that which He Knows through Confession ... Thesaurus Scandal (1 Occurrence)... 5. (vt) To scandalize; to offend. Multi-Version Concordance Scandal (1 Occurrence). ... Then the scandal of the cross has been done away. (DBY). ... /s/scandal.htm - 7k Talebearer (8 Occurrences) Talebearing (2 Occurrences) Exception (6 Occurrences) Public (99 Occurrences) Slander (34 Occurrences) Scaly (1 Occurrence) Scandalous (1 Occurrence) Confession (22 Occurrences) Manasseh (140 Occurrences) Resources Can restoration occur after a pastor has been caught in a scandal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the cause of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church? | GotQuestions.org Why are so many evangelical Christian leaders caught in scandals? | GotQuestions.org Scandal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scandal (1 Occurrence)Galatians 5:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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